Stolen fentanyl recovered in Kugluktuk, Nunavut
Fentanyl reported stolen from local health centre, one person faces charges according to the RCMP
The RCMP says fentanyl that was stolen in Kugluktuk, Nunavut has been recovered and a person is facing trafficking charges.
On Thursday, Nunavut's health department warned residents that the drug "is present" in the community. A spokesperson later confirmed to CBC that the advisory was issued after four vials were stolen from the local health centre during a break-in.
Friday evening, Nunavut RCMP issued a press release that said police officers received a report of a theft Wednesday morning, "which included a small quantity of prescription packaged fentanyl."
The drug does have legitimate medical uses as a pain reliever, under the supervision of a doctor.
"With the assistance of the community, within 24 hours Kugluktuk RCMP located the suspect in relation to the theft and seized the stolen items including the fentanyl," the release read.
The release goes on to say that although the investigation is still ongoing, one person is in custody as a result of the theft. That person is facing charges of possession and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
RCMP warned the public of the dangers of fentanyl in the release. The drug is estimated to be 100 times more powerful than morphine and has been tied to hundreds of overdose deaths across Canada.