Advocate, police warn of increase of potentially dangerous drugs after 5 sudden deaths in last week
5 deaths over last week on Avalon and in Labrador, says RNC
Police forces and addictions advocates in Newfoundland and Labrador say they're growing increasingly concerned after a recent stretch of sudden deaths that is possibly related to an increase of dangerous drugs in the province.
On Sunday, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary issued a notice on social media platforms about five deaths over the last week on the northeast Avalon Peninsula and in Labrador. The RNC said the deaths suggest "the possibility of an increase in the availability of illicit, dangerous and potentially fatal drugs in our communities."
While the deaths are under investigation, the RNC is reminding the public that free naloxone kits are available around the province. Naloxone is a temporary medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, although health professionals note anyone who overdoses should still go to a hospital.
Emily Wadden, the program manager of the Safe Works Access Program, told CBC News she isn't surprised by the recent spike.
"We know that this is coming, it's here, and sadly we also know that it's going to continue to get worse and we will see more and more deaths every week, month, et cetera," Wadden said.
"Just like any other province, we have a lot of drugs, and some of those drugs are what they are described as with no surprises, if you will, and unfortunately that's not 100 per cent of the supply. Obviously we've got some that do have things like fentanyl mixed into them."
The RNC wouldn't provide more detail about the recent deaths. A spokesperson told CBC News there is little more to say until autopsies are complete.
Fentanyl has been one the most concerning opioids in recent years for police and drug users, as a small amount can lead to an overdose. It has been found mixed with cocaine in Newfoundland and Labrador. Last year, between January and September, 17 drug-related deaths were connected to cocaine use and six were connected with fentanyl. Nine people died within a one-month period.
On Wednesday, the RCMP issued a press release warning the public about a drug even more potent than fentanyl.
The RCMP said it seized a small quantity of nitazine tablets in December following an overdose death in St. Anthony.
The tablets were sent to Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service, which confirmed the substance was an extremely potent synthetic opioid many times more potent than fentanyl.
"The deceased is believed to have purchased the substance online, advertised as morphine. The investigation into the origin of the substance is continuing," the RCMP said in the press release.
"RCMP N.L. cautions those who purchase illegal substances online of the dangers in doing so. Oftentimes, products can be advertised as being a certain substance when in fact they are not. Illicit drug manufacturers will often defer to producing the most cost-effective substance and market it as something else, without the consideration of its effects on the user."
RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Jolene Garland later told CBC News nitazine, and other potent opioids, could further hamper the province's pushback against dangerous narcotics.
She said the RCMP is concerned about more nitazine showing up in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"If we see an influx of nitazine into our province, we will see an increase in overdose deaths, undoubtedly," Garland said.
"This is a dangerous substance. Be very cautious and careful about what you're using and what you're buying."
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With files from Henrike Wilhelm and Carolyn Stokes
