The East Algoma OPP is urging residents to be aware that using illicit drugs could result in a deadly outcome.
OPP Staff Sergeant Tyler Sturgeon, emphasizes the unfortunate reality is that drugs like Fentanyl and Carfentanil are in the communities of East Algoma.
Drug abuse is not only an urban issue, he says.
It impacts communities of all sizes and rural areas as well.
Community Safety Officer, Constable Bev Gauthier, says the warning comes in the wake of a confirmed drug overdose resulting in a death that occurred within the last three months in the local area.
She adds the culprit is fentanyl; a powerful and dangerous opioid that is being mixed into many illegal street drugs.
This results in users unknowingly overdosing on it.
In February, officers conducted a traffic stop where confirmed Carfentinil was found in a vehicle.
Gauthier explains Carfentinil is a synthetic opioid and is the most potent one; 100 times more powerful that fentanyl, it is an anesthetic used to immobilize large animals like elephants.
Gauthier adds if you choose to use illicit opioids or other illegal drugs, know your source, understand the risks, know the signs of overdose and get help for yourself or a friend if needed, and don’t do drugs alone.
The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is committed to targeting drug possession, trafficking, and working with our partners to deal more effectively with the root causes of drug use and addiction. Users of all street drugs are at risk for overdose because they can never truly know if their street drugs are contaminated. If you are a user of street drugs, or a family member of a street drug user, take the time to learn about how you can reduce the risk of overdose and obtain a free Naloxone kit from Algoma Public Health.
More information on symptoms and responding to an opioid overdose can be found on the Algoma Public Health Unit’s website at http://www.algomapublichealth.com/addictions-mental-health/alcohol-drug-assessment/opioids-and-overdose/naloxone/ or visiting the new opioid awareness website at http://preventod.ca/
Anyone who encounters a person who appears to be in a state of overdose should immediately call 911. Take-home Naloxone kits and training is available free and without a prescription for people at risk of overdose for their family and friends. Naloxone can be obtained from any Algoma Public Health Unit in Blind River (705-356-2551) andElliot Lake (705-848-2314 or by visiting a participating pharmacy.