A Bay Roberts man’s near-death experience has prompted police to warn residents to be careful of products that look like bubble gum but are laced with a potent drug.
Bay Roberts RCMP recently responded to a report of a drug overdose in the community.
The responding officer managed to reverse the effects of the overdose by using Naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray.
The victim was transported to hospital and survived.
Officers seized numerous items found near the victim, including what appeared to be a plastic package of bubble gum.
Preliminary tests of the bubble gum resulted in positive indicators for narcotics, including Fentanyl — a potent narcotic which can result in death even in minute amounts, police say.
The source of the bubble gum remains under investigation.
The RCMP has no reason to believe narcotic-laced gum is being sold in the community or in stores. It is believed that the gum was laced with narcotics following purchase outside the province and sent to Newfoundland through the mail.
The RCMP asks people be vigilant and mindful in the event other such substances are in our community.
