STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.

Carfentanil found in Nanaimo drugs, Mounties say

Feb 8, 2017 | 4:20 PM

NANAIMO — A deadly drug 100 times stronger than fentanyl has made its way onto the streets of Nanaimo, according to Mounties.

Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien said Health Canada tests have confirmed the presence of carfentanil in a white powder that was seized as part of an on-going investigation.

O’Brien said it is the first time carfentanil has been found in drugs in Nanaimo.

“We’re looking at where it’s supplied from, who’s providing it and if we can disrupt that chain. This is an on-going part of the investigation,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien said there are new drugs coming onto the market all the time, noting fentanyl and carfentanil are “taking up a lot of drug member’s time.”

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid originally developed as a large animal sedative. One or two grains can be fatal in humans.

“Carfentanil is an extremely toxic and lethal drug and there is currently no way for people to know whether it is contained in illegal drugs,” Dr. Charmaine Enns, Island Health medical health officer said in a release.

Drug users are being urged not to get high alone, carry naloxone and have an overdose plan.

 

island-news@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW