Carfentanil seizures outpacing fentanyl in Waterloo region, police say

Carfentanil is now being seized by police more often than fentanyl in Waterloo region, police say.

Staff Sgt. Sloden Lackovic, who heads up the drugs and firearms branch for the Waterloo Regional Police Service, said when they seize drugs, those drugs are sent to Health Canada for testing.

Of 17 of the most recent seizures sent to Health Canada, 14 of the results had carfentanil while three had fentanyl.

"It's a shift that we've seen gradually over the last six months," Lackovic said.

"That's almost a reverse shift from what we saw six months ago when it was predominately fentanyl and carfentanil the odd time. Now what we're seeing is much more carfentanil and fentanyl at a decreasing rate."

Mostly powder seized

Lackovic said the rise in carfentanil is a concern because it's a more potent opioid compared to fentanyl.

"Both drugs are easy to overdose on; however, carfentanil might just be a little more potent and may have just a stronger effect on people," he said.

Carfentanil has been seen in the region in at least three forms: pills, powder and a purple, playdough-like substance.

Lackovic said the purple playdough-like mix is seen occasionally, but "predominantly a white or a yellowy tinged powder is what we're seeing."