PROS Occurrences: 2020565780; 2020456928; 2020586466
PEI police agencies are reporting a recent increase in fentanyl related occurrences and seizures. A Public Health alert was issued on 2020-05-08.
Drugs seized from a suspected overdose on 2020-05-05 tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine. Two other non-fatal overdoses were also suspected to be associated to fentanyl. Samples from other recent occurrences have also tested positive. An envelope in the mail contained a white substance (ion testing identified cocaine and fentanyl). In the
other case 50 imitation Percocets tested positive. These pills are consistent with previous reports of fentanyl in PEI.
A recent US-based report indicates traffickers may be adding fentanyl to cocaine and heroin to strengthen the potency to attract more business.
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PEI last issued a Public Health alert regarding fentanyl in May 2018 following an overdose. The sudden rise in cases is of concern for both public and officer safety. These confirmed cases reiterate the need for law enforcement to be prepared for any potential contact by carrying Naloxone and using the recommended level of care and caution when dealing with, or seizing any unknown substances.
Nova Scotia and other Atlantic provinces who initially seemed to escape the scourge of fentanyl and methamphetamine in larger Canadian cities have now seen an increase in cases of fentanyl and methamphetamine . These drugs are extremely harmful and devastating to families.
Anyone with information on drug trafficking or other crimes are encouraged to report this anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800 222 TIPS ( 8477) or leave a tip on line at crimestoppers.ns.ca or submit via the P3 app.