The Vancouver Police Department has put out a warning to the community after a series of drug overdoses leading to hospitalizations and deaths.

"Between December 19th and 22nd, there were 17 non-fatal overdoses in Vancouver, most in the Downtown Eastside," the VPD said in a news release today (December 23). There were three more fatal overdoses overnight as well.

The VPD has sent samples of the drugs found on scene to Health Canada for investigation, noting "investigators expect to find Fentanyl in many of those samples".

Fentanyl, a highly toxic synthetic opiate, has been linked to numberous overdoses in the Lower Mainland and across Canada over the past few years.

In August, the Straight reported on a spike in fentanyl overdoses that saw at least three deaths during the summer. Earlier this month, Delta police warned the public that fentanyl-laced cocaine laced was circulating in the area.

Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include cold, clammy skin and trouble walking or talking. If a person begins showing these symptoms, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Anyone who uses drugs is urged to not to use alone.