WATCH ABOVE: After dozens of Fentanyl patches were stolen from a downtown pharmacy, Toronto Police have issued a public safety alert. Caryn Lieberman has more on the theft of the powerful narcotic.
TORONTO – Police have issued a public safety alert after nearly 100 fentanyl patches were stolen from a downtown Toronto pharmacy this week.
The theft occurred between the closed store hours of 6 p.m. on Aug. 26 to 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 27 in the area of Church Street and Queen Street East.
Police say 14 to 20 boxes of fentanyl were taken — each containing five patches.
“It looks very similar to a nicotine patch,” said Detective Sergeant Mike Richmond during a press conference on Friday. “It has a residue on one side and looks similar to a band-aid on the other side.”
Earlier this month, investigators issued a warning to the public of the potentially deadly combination of fentanyl infused narcotics that are slowing making its way into the city’s drug scene.
“It’s much more potent that other pain medication out there,” said Richmond. “It has been a popular drug of abuse for some time.”
Police have not release any information on the number of suspects involved in the theft or physical descriptions.
READ MORE: Fentanyl fact sheet: what it is and what it does
Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate narcotic that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, heroin, or oxycodone.
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In some jurisdictions in Canada, the opioid is being cut into street drugs that are in pill, liquid or powder form.
The odourless and tasteless narcotic is extremely potent with as little as two milligrams of fentanyl enough to cause overdose and death. That amount is as small as two grains of salt.
READ MORE: ‘It’s such an insidious drug’: Fentanyl warning for parents after Calgary teen’s overdose
Authorities in Toronto say a single patch is estimated to be worth around $200 in street value.
Toronto police issued a similar advisory earlier this month after 20 fentanyl patches were stolen from inside a vehicle.
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