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Police say substance '100 times more powerful than fentanyl' confirmed in Guelph

Guelph Police say this is the first time seized carfentanil has been confirmed by Health Canada
20170817 Naloxone Kit KA
An example of a Naloxone kit available at many Guelph-area pharmacies. If an overdosing individual is administered Naloxone immediately and transported to hospital for further treatment, Guelph Police says their chance for survival is extremely high. Kenneth Armstorng/GuelphToday

An analysis of suspected heroin seized by Guelph Police during a drug trafficking investigation earlier this summer has revealed the substance contained carfentanil, a drug approximately 100 times more powerful than fentanyl.

This instance is the first time carfentanil has been confirmed by Health Canada to have been seized by the Guelph Police Service, said a news release issued today and police said it is imperative that drug users and frontline agencies and others are aware it is in the community.

Guelph Police says illicit drug users can reduce the risks associated with using opioids by buddying up and having Naloxone on hand, a drug which can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.

If an overdosing individual is administered Naloxone immediately and transported to hospital for further treatment, Guelph Police says their chance for survival is extremely high.

“It is recommended that if someone uses illicit drugs that they never use alone and always have naloxone on hand in order to treat an overdose,” reads the release. 

The drug trafficking investigation in which the substance was found occurred in June 2017 and resulted in the arrest of two males, one from Guelph and another from Brampton.

Both men were charged with possession for numerous controlled substances, including the suspected heroin.

The drug analysis of the substance believed to have been heroin was conducted by Health Canada.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid similar to Fentanyl, says the release, but can be 100 times as powerful.

Naloxone is available for free at numerous pharmacies in Guelph.

If you believe someone is overdosing, or even if you are not sure, police say to call 911 immediately.

Symptoms of an opiate overdose can include nodding off to unconciousness, snore-like gurgling or a choking sound, limpness of the body, being unresponsive to outside stimuli and weakened or absent heartbeat, says the release.


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Kenneth Armstrong

About the Author: Kenneth Armstrong

Kenneth Armstrong is a news reporter and photojournalist who regularly covers municipal government, business and politics and photographs events, sports and features.
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