Police agencies are reiterating warnings to the public about the dangers of fentanyl after receiving confirmation of the presence of fentanyl in a recent drug seizure. Heroin seized in a January 5th drug bust has been analysed by Health Canada and found to contain fentanyl, a powerful opioid which, even in minute quantities, can cause death.
The original news release issued January 6, 2017 describes the arrests of three 19 year-old males, from Regina, in connection with the seizure of more than five ounces of heroin as well as cocaine, Canadian currency and bear spray. The three males all face charges of drug trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. One of the males also faces a weapons charge. The heroin seized has been analysed by health Canada and confirmed to contain fentanyl.
The analysis of this heroin, containing fentanyl, underscores the need to warn the public about the extreme dangers posed by drug consumption. Fentanyl, in quantities of as little as two milligrams (about the size of four grains of salt), is enough to kill an adult. The short-term effects of taking fentanyl can include: drowsiness, constipation, nausea/vomiting, headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, euphoria, itching and sweating. The signs of fentanyl (and other opioid drug) overdose include: weak breathing, drowsiness, cold/clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, collapse and coma. Anyone observing someone presenting these symptoms should call 9-1-1 immediately.
Police are urging people to pay attention to the dangers of illegal substance abuse.
– Drug dealers don’t care about the well-being of their customers. The customer never knows what they’re getting; there is no “quality control”.
– If you don’t take drugs, don’t start.
– If you are struggling with addiction, see a health professional.
– Parents: have these conversations with your children. Maintain a calm, two-way conversation. Try not to lecture, threaten or judge them. Discuss peer pressure and ways they can say no to drugs.
For more information on opioids, the side effects and the risks, please visit: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/substance-abuse-toxicomanie/prescription-abuse-abus-ordonnance/opiods-opiodes-eng.php?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc_en&utm_content=group8creative4&utm_campaign=ppdu_16&gclid=CLnl74etutACFU1WDQodVfkMnA
As always, anyone who has information that could assist police in drug investigations is encouraged to contact their local police agency or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
*The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) Saskatchewan consists of three teams, located in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. CFSEU is comprised of personnel from partner police services from Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who receive funding for resources and operations from the Government of Saskatchewan through the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. CFSEU’s primary mandate is to expose, investigate, prosecute, dismantle and disrupt organized crime enterprises.