Drugs seized earlier this year in Yorkton, Sask. contained fentanyl and carfentanil, and other substances, after an analysis by Health Canada.
Yorkton RCMP members who made a traffic stop early in the morning of May 25 seized drugs, believed to be meth, marijuana, cocaine, and hydromorph-cotins.
The results of the analysis, released Wednesday, found fentanyl, carfentanil, cyclopropylfentanyl, methoxyacetylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, and heroin in the seized drugs.
RCMP believe the drugs may still be circulating in Saskatchewan and should be avoided, stating street drugs are often represented as one thing, “but can unknowingly contain lethal substances such as fentanyl.”
“Fentanyl, carfentanil and other illicit opioids continue to be a top priority for the RCMP,” the force said in a statement.
“We are collaborating with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to actively address the issue by pursuing criminal networks fueling this public health threat.”
Linda Becker and Frederick Severight were charged in May with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a controlled substance.
Police have not said if additional charges will be laid as a result of the analysis.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is encouraging people who are at-risk for an overdose, or who may experience an overdose, to take free training for take home naloxone kits.
“In the event of an overdose, using naloxone can save lives; even in the case of an opioid that has been mixed with a non-opioid,” Gary Shepherd, the director of mental health and addictions services in Yorkton for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said in a statement.
“Take home naloxone kits are free to people at-risk of an overdose and those in the community that interact frequently with those at-risk.”
When administer properly, naloxone can temporarily restore breathing and consciousness in a person experience an opioid overdose, providing first responders time to reach the person and start treatment.
Anyone who believes they have drugs containing fentanyl and carfentanil should immediately contact 911.