A serious crash Monday involving a fentanyl user is the latest example of a growing danger on Calgary roads, police said.
Paramedics rushed six people involved in the collision on Marlborough Way NE to hospital, two with serious injuries.
EMS administered the fentanyl antidote Naloxone to the driver of a stolen sedan involved in the crash.
Investigators said he was high on drugs.
It’s a growing problem, the head of the Calgary Police Alcohol and Drug Recognition Unit said.
“The distribution (of fentanyl) isn’t limited to a certain area, so these people are driving when they do it — we saw that (Monday),” Sgt. Richard Butler said. “Obviously we had a user involved in a serious collision. I think that’s something that unfortunately we’re going to see more of in the future.”
Police are investigating three deadly crashes since September where impairment by drugs is suspected. There were none last year.
Illegal use of fentanyl causes impairment that is similar to driving drunk.
Cody Reddin, a recovering fentanyl addict, said he believes there are many Calgarians driving daily while high on the drug.
Reddin, who is now eight weeks sober in treatment at Simon House, said he used to drive his toddler son as a passenger while using fentanyl.
“Having my son there was just an excuse to go get high,” Reddin said.
“It’s hard to see it at the time because the addiction is so powerful,” he added. “It takes over your life, your soul, everything.”
There is no roadside equipment to test for drug use.
When patrol officers suspect a driver is high, they do a field sobriety test, then call in one of 15 certified drug recognition experts to do further assessment.
The Calgary police unit will expand to 19 in February to meet rising demand.
Overall, alcohol and drug impaired collisions in the city are down year over year.