The Saskatoon Police Service, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, is again reminding people of the dangers of Fentanyl and illicit drug use.

During a patrol arrest last year, officers seized multiple substances that were sent for drug analysis. One of the substances was thought to be Fentanyl, however drug analysis confirmed the presence of an additional drug called Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is a non-opioid, and is an extremely dangerous hallucinogen.

“The results of the drug analysis solidify what we have been saying for months - what people think they are buying, and consuming, may in fact be mixed in with other drugs that they are unaware of,” says Dave Haye, Superintendent of Criminal Investigations. “The possibility of injury or death is high and the public needs to know the associated risks.”

Police and other emergency services partners continue to respond to overdoses on a regular basis. When a person overdoses on an opioid, like fentanyl, they can become unconscious and may slow or stop breathing, leading to brain damage or death. In many cases, the administration of naloxone either by emergency services, or by civilians with naloxone kits has proven to be effective in saving lives.

“We know that using naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose can save lives; even in the case of an opioid that has been mixed with a non-opioid” said Tracy Muggli, Co-Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services in Saskatoon. “Naloxone will work to reverse the opioid overdose effects and could still buy the patient critical moments in order to be treated by medical professionals.”

In mid-April, the Saskatchewan Government announced that free take-home naloxone kits would be made available province-wide to people who may witness an overdose, including friends and family members of those at risk.

In Saskatoon, the kits are available at a number of locations, including the Mayfair Clinic and Methadone Assisted Recovery Services. For more information, please contact Mental Health and Addictions Services with the Saskatchewan Health Authority at 306-655-4007.

Police and the Saskatchewan Health Authority continue to advise the public that any drug that is not prescribed by a doctor or dispensed by a pharmacist can pose a serious risk of injury or death. Anyone witnessing a possible opioid overdose should immediately call 911.