Prince’s death from fentanyl will put spotlight on dangerous drug: Specialists

B.C. addictions specialists are reacting to the news that pop star Prince died of a fentanyl overdose.

The revelation comes as Canada faces an epidemic of deaths from the powerful opioid.

Between 2009 and 2014, at least 655 Canadians died from an overdose involving fentanyl.

B.C. has also declared a public health emergency.

READ MORE: Little if any heroin left in Vancouver, all fentanyl: drug advocates

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Drug experts in the province hope the singer’s tragic death may help put the spotlight on fentanyl’s devastating power.

“I’m really believing, especially with the current epidemic, that the number of overdose deaths we’ve had here, and across Canada, that people really will become more aware of how the choices they are making and what they are taking,” said Nirmala Raniga from the Chopra Treatment Centre.

WATCH: Prince’s death is highlighting the prescription drug crisis in the US. Overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death and experts say opioids are driving the epidemic.

1:29 Prince’s death spurring conversation about prescription opioid deaths