MONTREAL – Quebec’s public health department is calling for vigilance in the wake of a recent discovery by Montreal narcotics investigators during what has been described as one of the largest drug seizures in the past four to five years.
A large quantity of pills and products of all kinds, ranging from speed, Oxycodone, steroids, Viagra and crystal meth were seized in the raids. Analysis later revealed that the seizure also included what authorities are calling desmethyl fentanyl, an extremely dangerous opiate.
“Desmethyl fentanyl is 80 times stronger than morphine and 40 times stronger than heroin,” investigator Yves Rousseau noted in a press conference on May 2 after the raids.
It is the first time that the opiates desmethyl fentanyl and bromadoldrugs have appeared on Montreal’s black market, according to police and the Quebec’s public health department, which held a press conference on Monday morning to discuss the worrying results.
The pills are so powerful that four officers were transported to hospital after manipulating the material.
“Even though they were wearing masks and gloves they were slightly injured,” said Montreal police spokesperson, Marc Riopel.
“One officer had to be hospitalized with heart problems.”
Over 300,000 pills were seized, many of which were stamped with popular trademarks like Facebook and Tim Hortons. Investigators noted that the pills were being marketed to young adults and sold online.
Comments