Calgary police call fentanyl addiction a ‘public health crisis’

CALGARY – Police say fentanyl addiction in Calgary has reached a crisis-point.

Staff Sgt. Martin Shiavetta delivered the frank message during a presentation to the Calgary Police Commission on Tuesday.

“I would say what we’re talking about is a public health crisis. That’s how addictive fentanyl is,” Shiavetta told Global News.

READ MORE: Fentanyl fact sheet: what it is and what it does

“It’s a drug that’s 40 times more toxic than heroin, 100 times more toxic than morphine. It’s physiologically and psychologically addictive.”

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Police suggest part of the reason the drug seems to be growing in popularity is due to its inexpensive cost.

“Fentanyl in our community sells for the price of a marijuana cigarette,” said Shiavetta. “The difference is that every time you’re taking a fentanyl tablet you’re playing Russian roulette with your life.”

“In my career this is certainly the most addictive, harmful drug that I have seen.”

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Fentanyl has been linked to 145 deaths in Alberta so far this year, including 45 in Calgary.

READ MORE: Fentanyl addiction behind a quarter of Calgary bank robberies

With files from Tony Tighe