Thirty-seven grams of heroin recovered in a Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-NL) traffic stop in Conception Bay South and sent to Health Canada for analysis were found to contain the fast-acting opiate, which is estimated to be 100 times more potent than morphine and 20 to 50 times more toxic than heroin.
Also recovered were a quantity of cocaine and prescription pills. All the drugs were concealed on the body of the 34-year-old man who has since been charged with three counts of breach of recognizance with drug charges pending.
Meanwhile, the Bay St. George RCMP says fake Percocet pills recently seized in the Stephenville area also contain fentanyl.
The seized pills are round and white stamped with “TEC.” Police say they are similar in appearance to authentic medically prescribed Percocet tablets.
The RCMP warns that two milligrams of pure fentanyl (the size of about two grains of salt) is enough to kill the average adult. It is odourless and tasteless, and therefore hard to detect.
The effects of the drug occur quickly after use. It can cause immediate incapacitation and sometimes death if not treated immediately after exposure, police warn.
Fentanyl is a respiratory depressant that, when cut with other drugs, cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Symptoms of an early overdose of fentanyl can include severe sleepiness, slowed heartbeat, trouble breathing, slow or shallow breathing, cold and clammy skin, and difficulty walking or talking.
Eastern Health has confirmed 21 overdoses over the past few weeks, two of which have proved fatal.
Police and health authorities suggest anyone who chooses to use drugs have a sober friend who can call 911 immediately if someone has taken drugs and exhibits any overdose symptoms.
If naloxone, a drug used to counteract the effects of fentanyl, is available, the CFSEU-NL advises people to use it after calling for emergency services.
EARLIER STORY
Fentanyl confirmed in fake Percocets seized in western N.L.
Bay St. George RCMP say fake Percocet pills recently seized in the Stephenville area have been confirmed through lab tests to they contain Fentanyl.
The seized pills are round and white stamped with “TEC.” Police say they similar in appearance to the authentic medically-prescribed Percocet tablet.
