Writer: Emma MacIsaac
Within the last week, four citizens of Simcoe Muskoka have died due to what the OPP is calling “the possibility of a highly potent and potentially fatal strain of illicit opioids.” These tragic overdoses have occurred across Simcoe County, but most information about the victims is classified at this time.
Due to the rise of opioid overdoses, the OPP continues to caution against opioids like fentanyl, which is 100 times more potent than morphine and 40-50 times more potent than heroin. Other drugs such as carfentanil are 100 times more potent than fentanyl and are posing a steadily increasing threat as they spread throughout drug trafficking networks.
In addition to its potency, fentanyl cannot be smelled or tasted, and appears invisible when mixed with other drugs. Illicit fentanyl increases the risk of overdoses and can be lethal even in minimal amounts. This makes the trafficking of opioids a serious crime due to the highly dangerous nature of the drug.
Symptoms of fentanyl/opioid exposure can include:
-Difficulty walking, talking or staying awake
-Blue lips or nails
-Very small pupils
-Cold and clammy skin
-Dizziness and confusion
-Extreme drowsiness
-Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
-Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
-Slow, weak, or not breathing
Citizens are encouraged to look into naloxone kits, which are health kits that can provide temporary relief from the negative effects of opioids such as respiratory depression, hypotension, and sedation. These kits are being offered for free at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Community Health Centres, and many pharmacies across the province.
Individuals experiencing an overdose are encouraged to seek help from emergency services and can rest assured knowing they receive some legal protection from the “Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act” (GSDOA). This act applies to individuals experiencing overdoses and individuals involved at the scene. Anyone with information regarding the trafficking of these drugs is encouraged to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers to help stop the spread of opioids.
