Health Canada has confirmed a pill that were seized by the RCMP on the Esgenoôpetitj First Nation contained fentanyl.
READ MORE: New Brunswick First Nations set to banish drug dealers following overdose death
According to the RCMP, five members of the community have been hospitalized since April 10 from suspected overdoses of the drug. One other case of a suspected overdose was reported, but the person did not go to hospital. In one of the cases, naloxone spray was administered to a man suspected of an overdose and the spray appeared to have reversed the drug’s effects, police say.
The April 11 death of a 35-year-old woman on Esgenoôpetitj First Nation is still being investigated and officials are awaiting toxicology results in that case to determine cause of death.
Leo Bartibogue, an addictions counsellor, told The Canadian Press that there are 30 to 40 drug dealers in the Esgenoôpetitj community. He said the band council has suggested a resolution to ban drug trafficking – a move already made by the Elsipogtog and Tobique First Nations – and he is in full support.
The resolution in Tobique, Chief Ross Perley told The Canadian Press, means anyone charged with drug trafficking would be cut off from all band services and benefits.
Police say the pill seized is blue with “Percocet 5” written on it. It is approximately one centimetre in diameter.
The police investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Neguac RCMP at 506-776-3000.
—With files from Kevin Bissett, The Canadian Press