Fentanyl drug linked to sudden deaths in Moncton

MONCTON – RCMP have determined two men found dead in a Moncton apartment in November died of a drug overdose.

RCMP said Wednesday that autopsy reports indicate the men succumbed to an overdose of the drug Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic drug, usually prescribed as a painkiller. RCMP said they seized a white, crystallized powdered substance from the scene and tests have determined it is a derivative of Fentanyl.

Staff Sgt. Mark Janes of the Codiac RCMP said the drug can be very dangerous when not prescribed by a doctor.

“It is a prescription drug,” he said. “In this particular case, in this investigation, we believe that it was purchased online.”

The bodies of the men were discovered in an apartment on MacAleese Lane on Nov. 9. Police say foul play has been ruled out and they will not be releasing the names of the men.

Janes said RCMP are not concerned about trafficking of the drug in New Brunswick.

Since 2007, there have been six deaths in the province linked to Fentanyl, according to RCMP.