If you live in Northumberland County, surely there have been times when you were standing in the sunshine and look north only to see dark clouds of a storm. And you may wonder: Is it going to come here or is it just going to pass by. The recent headlines coming out of Peterborough related to the opioid crisis facing that community are shocking. In a single weekend in early June 13 people overdosed and two died within 72 hours.

Belleville Police Deputy Chief Timothy Ferguson said in an interview with CBC he hasn't seen anything like it in his 33 years in policing. Politicians. The director of the health unit activists and members of the community have been involved in trying to stem the tsunami of fentanyl, OxyContin, morphine, heroin, and codeine – not to mention the stronger and more deadly versions like carfentanyl – that are crashing down upon them. Earlier this week Belleville as police chief called for a national task force.

It could be said dark clouds surround us as Peterborough, Belleville, and other cities across the province struggle to find solutions. What is going on in rural Ontario, especially places like Northumberland? Over the upcoming weeks, Consider This hopes to explore the issue of opioids in the community through the eyes of those directly impacted.

Today we embark on this examination by looking through the lens of those who uphold the law. I am so pleased to have with me in the studio two members of the Cobourg police force to shed some light on this incredibly complex subject. I would like to welcome Deputy Chief Paul Van de Graaf and Acting Sergeant Jay Salisbury.