Latest news with #needles
CBC
a day ago
- CBC
Montreal police investigating after reports of needle intoxications at îLESONIQ
Montreal police are investigating after people reported being pricked, possibly by needles, during îLESONIQ, an electronic dance music festival. In a media release on Friday, police said they had received six reports of people, both women and men, who said they felt a sharp sting while they were in the crowd during the nights of Aug. 9 and 10. Some of the victims reported feeling dizzy after being pricked. "At this stage, it is premature to provide additional details about the ongoing investigation or to confirm whether the reported events are related," the police media release said. Following the festival, some festivalgoers took to social media, saying they suspected they had been pricked. CBC reached out to the Montreal police force earlier this week to inquire about the îLESONIQ incidents. In response to our query, a police spokesperson shared details of one police report involving a 22-year-old woman who told officers she felt a pinch while standing near one of the stages on Aug. 9. She reported feeling dizzy but declined going to the hospital, preferring to return to the festival, according to police. Similar reports emerged earlier this summer following two other Quebec festivals. Provincial police began investigating reports of possible needle prickings at the Festival de Country de Labreque and the Festival de Gourgane d'Albanel in the Saguenay region. The festivals happened from July 3 to 6, and July 24 to 27, respectively. Several young women reported having been injected with GHB, a date rape drug, during the festivals, Radio-Canada reported. A Sureté du Quebec spokesperson said these investigations into the incidents were still ongoing, but that no intoxications have been confirmed. CBC reached out to îLESONIQ for comment earlier this week. In an emailed statement on Friday, a spokesperson for Evenko, the event promoter behind îLESONIQ, said it was "taking the incidents very seriously." "Our teams work closely with the police, on-site medical staff, and a dedicated prevention group to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone," the spokesperson wrote.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
145 People Jabbed With Needles at French Music Festival
As millions took to the streets across France for the annual Fête de la Musique, 12 people were detained nationwide for stabbing at least 145 people with needles, the interior ministry reported.
CBC
07-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
St. John's city councillor advocating for more safe disposal boxes after finding needles in public area
City of St. John's Coun. Greg Noseworthy was responding to a resident's call about litter in a wooded area near Topsail Road, when he nearly walked into needles sticking out of a tree. "I was mere inches away from having the needle poke myself, which could have been quite catastrophic," Noseworthy told CBC News on Monday. Noseworthy says he hears about needles littered in areas all over the city, including Mundy Pond, Cowan Heights, Waterford Valley, Old Topsail Road and Water Street. He says it's a serious safety issue, and can be hazardous if someone were to be stuck by one. And after his close encounter with almost getting poked, Noseworthy wanted to raise awareness. "All it takes is a scratch in your skin and you've got a serious infection," he said. Noseworthy says he spoke to a woman recently, who was accidentally pricked by a needle and had to receive treatment. The woman is now OK, he said. WATCH | This city councillor says more needles boxes are needed: A near-miss with a needle jammed in a tree is prompting a city councillor to demand more disposal sites 15 hours ago Duration 2:06 City of St. John's Coun. Greg Noseworthy says he was doing a park cleanup when he got up-close with a needle in an unusual spot. He says residents tell him needles are more of a common sight and designated containers to dispose of them are needed. The CBC's Abby Cole has more. He advises against cleaning up needles if found, and says people should call their city councillor or call 311 to have a professional come clean it up. "I really discourage people from trying to deal with these things themselves," he said. "If you are so compelled, make sure you're using tongs, gloves, [and a] proper disposal box." Safe disposal boxes The city has 13 containers placed in different areas for safe needle disposal. But, Noseworthy says there should be more. "Addictions are becoming more prevalent," he said. "It is a reality that we have to face as a society." The Safe Works Access Program (SWAP), a Newfoundland and Labrador harm reduction group, is also concerned about safe disposal. In an emailed statement, SWAP's acting program manager Anna Moulton said they will be meeting with Noseworthy on Wednesday to discuss changes to the city's needle distribution program to reduce the prevalence of supplies in public areas. SWAP also provides free personal disposal bins, and has a bin pick-up service so they can properly dispose of them. Noseworthy says he is going to continue advocating for more boxes to be placed around the city. He says prevention is key. "We have to deal with what we have right now, and finding ways to help keep the public safe is paramount," he said.
