The Sarnia Police Service have released new information following a drug bust on April 6.
Police officials say Vice Officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 800 block of Exmouth Street in Sarnia back in April.
During the search officers located $11,000 in cash along with quantities of crystal methamphetamines, cocaine and what was believed to be heroin at the time.
Five individuals were arrested and charged with various Controlled Drug and Substances Act related offences.
On June 20, 2017 Health Canada forwarded a report to the Sarnia Police Service confirming that what was believed to be heroin was actually Fentanyl powder.
“Fentanyl powder is an extremely potent synthetic opioid used legally in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical prescription drugs for the treatment of acute and chronic pain,” Sarnia Police officials stated.
“It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 40 times more potent than heroin.”
Police say in the past year, there has been a dramatic increase in the illegal importation of Fentanyl powder from countries like China to the western provinces of Canada and more recently to Ontario.
Fentanyl powder is white in colour when produced; however, other colour variations are possible.
Police say the pure powder is trafficked onto the streets in various forms:
– Pure fentanyl powder
– Mixed with illicit street drugs (heroin, cocaine)
– Sold under the name of other illicit street drugs
– Mixed into counterfeit pharmaceutical pills (OxyContin, Percocet, MDMA)
“The various forms of this drug present a cause for concern as users may be unaware that they are consuming Fentanyl,” Sarnia Police officials said.
“Secondly, the dosages of the powder/pills are not always equal. These factors increase the risk of overdose and death.”
Police say information from Health Canada Drug Analysis Section has indicated a dramatic increase in the street availability of Fentanyl powder/pills across Canada.
“With seizures such as this, officers have to take extra precautions as these drugs are even deadlier due to the addition of the Fentanyl powder, police officials say.
“This requires our officers to wear protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and protective suits when handling these drugs to avoid contamination. The Sarnia Police Service does not endorse the use of any drugs illegally, but please if you choose to use drugs know what you are buying, and from who you are buying it. Overdoses and deaths from the use of these drugs has become an alarming trend.”
