Dangerous drug being sold in Saskatchewan stores

SASKATOON – Health Canada has received a complaint that alkyl nitrites, also known by their street name “poppers”, are being sold in Saskatchewan.

The drug is known to give users a “rush” or “high” when inhaled. Poppers may appear harmless, found in products such as leather shoe cleaners and room odourizers, but the chemicals in the drug can be toxic, and cause death.

St. Paul’s Hospital CEO Jean Morrison says addictions workers in our community are always on the lookout for this type of drug use.

“Without a doubt, the fact that people who live in poverty have that sense of hopelessness and are looking for ways to feel better, and obviously they don’t have much money to spend,” Morrison explains.

“So it makes sense they’re looking for those cheaper ways to find that way to feel better for themselves,” she said.

The Federal Government issued the following statement:

“Health Canada received one complaint of two retailers selling “poppers” in Saskatchewan. However, Health Canada was not able to confirm what products were sold at those locations…”

The agency says it’s not able to name the stores. When officials visited the locations, they were not able to find evidence of the products, but are still investigating.

Though unable to comment specifically on “poppers”, Alyson Edwards with the Saskatoon Police Service says it’s very difficult to crack down on drugs found in household products.

“Members of the drug unit need to be aware of what’s happening around the rest of the country, but often times we don’t see those trends move into Saskatoon until much later,” said Edwards.

Health Canada says it will continue to monitor the sale of the drug in Saskatchewan, and will inform the public if new retailers are identified.