OPP Central Region is warning residents of Simcoe/Muskoka of a highly potent and potentially fatal strain of illicit opioids that may be circulating after four people lost their lives from a suspected opioid overdose.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more potent than morphine and up to 40-50 times more potent than heroin. Carfentanil is up to 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Drug dealers are knowingly distributing products that cause harm and could kill. Fentanyl can be lethal in very small quantities. If someone’s drug of choice is mixed with or contains fentanyl, it can potentially kill them. It is impossible for a user to determine the quantity of fentanyl they may be using because you can’t see, smell, or taste it.
If you see any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1:
- Difficulty walking, talking, staying awake
- Blue lips/nails
- Very small pupils
- Cold, clammy skin
- Dizziness, confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Choking, gurgling, snoring sounds
- Inability to wake up
- Slow, weak or not breathing
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. For more information, visit http://opp.ca/overdose.
Anyone with any information about drug trafficking in our communities is asked to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
