Strain of fentanyl resistant to naloxone circulating in southern Sask.: RCMP
A strain of fentanyl resistant to naloxone is circulating in southern Saskatchewan, including the Moose Jaw and Swift Current areas, according to RCMP.
Saskatchewan RCMP responded to reports of overdoses, some fatal, in southern parts of the province over the past few months, but said they cannot provide a total or confirm which were caused by the fentanyl strain resistant to naloxone.
The nalaxone resistant strain has not been reported to police in Moose Jaw, a news release from the Moose Jaw Police Service said on Wednesday.
This fentanyl does not look different than other strains, according to RCMP’s crime reduction team and Saskatchewan trafficking response team.
“The source and composition of this potentially-lethal drug is under active investigation, but it was important for us to immediately alert the public of the danger present in our communities,” said Insp. Jeff Smoliak from Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team.
“Using illicit drugs is always dangerous, but there is extra risk for fentanyl users in southern Saskatchewan right now. If you or someone you love uses fentanyl, you need to know what to do in the case of an overdose.”
Someone experiencing an overdose may show symptoms including slow, weak, or no breathing, blue lips or nails, dizziness and confusion, can’t be woken up, choking, gurgling or snoring sounds, drowsiness, or difficulty staying awake.
If someone witnesses an overdose, they are advised to call 911 immediately.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Families of Paul Bernardo's victims not allowed to attend parole hearing in person, lawyer says
The families of the victims of Paul Bernardo have been barred from attending the serial killer’s upcoming parole hearing in person, according to the lawyer representing the loved ones of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
'Bomb cyclone' batters B.C. coast with hurricane-force winds, downing trees onto roads and vehicles
Massive trees toppled onto roads, power lines and parked cars as hurricane-force winds battered the B.C. coast overnight during an intense “bomb cyclone” weather event.
'I'm sure Randy can answer': Liberal MPs defer to Boissonnault, PM Trudeau amid resignation calls
As the Indigenous claims controversy surrounding Randy Boissonnault continues to unfold, his colleagues are deferring questions about the embattled cabinet minister to him, and the prime minister.
'They squandered 10 years of opportunity': Canada Post strike exposes longtime problems, expert says
Canada Post is at ‘death's door’ and won't survive if it doesn't dramatically transform its business, a professor who has studied the Crown corporation is warning as the postal workers' national strike drags on.
BREAKING Canada closes embassy in Ukraine after U.S. receives information on 'potential significant air attack'
The Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, located in Kyiv, has temporarily suspended in-person services after U.S. officials there warned they'd received information about a 'potential significant air attack,' cautioning citizens to shelter in place if they hear an air alert.
Susan Smith to ask parole board for her freedom after serving 30 years for drowning her children
Susan Smith, the South Carolina mother convicted of killing her two sons by rolling her car into a lake in 1994 with the boys strapped in their seats inside, will ask a parole board for her freedom on Wednesday.
Leon's, The Brick under investigation for alleged 'deceptive marketing'
Popular furniture and appliance retailers Leon's Furniture Limited and its subsidiary, The Brick Warehouse LP, are under investigation for alleged 'deceptive marketing.'
Burlington, Ont. woman accused of accepting money for fake Taylor Swift tickets
As Taylor Swift is set to perform her final three sold-out shows at the Rogers Centre this week, many people who have fallen victim to an alleged ticket scam are trying to find answers to what happened.
BREAKING Calgary gorilla died after being hit by a door: officials
The Calgary Zoo says its two-year-old western lowland gorilla named Eyare died after being hit by a hydraulic door at the rear of the exhibit.