Ottawa police say six people suffered "serious medical complications" after taking a drug being sold as crack cocaine on Wednesday night in the downtown area.
Police say unidentified chemicals were reportedly added to the drug and an analysis would be conducted to determine what they are.
Acting Duty Insp. Mark Patterson told radio station CFRA that five people were initially found at about 8 p.m. in the Byward Market area suffering complications that included breathing difficulties and blueness in the face.
He said a sixth person with similar symptoms was found in the area shortly afterward. Four people were taken to hospital while the other two were treated at the scene. Police believe other suspects may still be distributing the drug.
Patterson said a male is in custody and it would be up to the police drug unit to decide whether charges will be laid.
He said the information was being made public to ensure emergency services, hospitals and outreach workers on the street are aware of this drug in case they get victims with similar symptoms.
"This is being purchased on the street and being sold as an illegal drug, but there's something else in the drug, chemicals that are causing extreme harm to people," he told CFRA.
"We obviously want them to be treated medically so they don't suffer or have a detrimental illness or complication that will cause them to die."
Police say anyone believing themselves to be at risk from the drug should call 911 immediately.
