SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Police Service is alerting the public to a dangerous strain of fentanyl circulating in Saskatoon.
The fentanyl, consistent in appearance with other strains, is believed to be cut with xylazine, a sedative resistant to naloxone. Naloxone, commonly referred to as narcan, is a product used to quickly and temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose to provide opportunity for medical intervention.
The Saskatoon Police Service says that while it does respond to some reports of overdoses, including those that are fatal, they do not respond to all overdoses that occur. Only the Saskatchewan Coroners Service can confirm that an overdose caused a death and which drugs may have contributed to it. Any drug that is not prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist can result in serious injury or death.
Members of the public are also reminded of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act which serves to provide some legal protection for individuals who experience or witness an overdose and seek emergency help.
SPS says, “Familiarize yourself and tell others; you might be the difference in saving a life.”
Symptoms of an opioid overdose may include but are not limited to: slow or no breathing; gurgling, gasping or snoring; clammy and cool skin; blue lips or nails; and difficulty waking up or staying awake. If you suspect someone may have experienced an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately.
This week, a warning was also issued by Saskatchewan RCMP, who said a dangerous strain of fentanyl is circulating in southern Saskatchewan – including in the Moose Jaw and Swift Current areas.
“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. This fentanyl strain is particularly alarming because it doesn’t look any different than others circulating. But if you take it and experience an overdose, it may be irreversible,” explains 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.”
