(Regina) A dangerous type of fentanyl, which may be resistant to naloxone, is circulating in southern Saskatchewan, including the Moose Jaw and Swift Current areas.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have determined that this fentanyl has the same appearance as other types in circulation. Its possible resistance to naloxone, a fast-acting drug, means that the effects of overdoses caused by opioids may not be neutralized.
Saskatchewan RCMP have responded to reports of overdoses, some fatal, in the southern part of the province in recent months. However, federal police are unable to determine the total number of overdoses or confirm which ones could have been caused by this type of fentanyl.
Besides, the police do not intervene every time an overdose occurs; only the Saskatchewan Coroners Office can confirm whether an overdose caused a death and which drugs were the cause.
Inspector Jeff Smoliak of the RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team says the source and composition of the potentially deadly drug is under active investigation. . He adds that an overdose with this fentanyl could be irreversible.
The RCMP recommends that even if there is naloxone-resistant fentanyl in circulation, it should be administered to a person overdosing.
Police add that the law provides some legal protection to people who seek help from emergency services in the event of an overdose.