Regina police warn of fentanyl risks as overdose deaths rise again

In a public warning about the potentially lethal consequences of illegal drugs, the Regina Police Service says it is “particularly urgent in the case of opioids, including fentanyl.”

In a news release sent Thursday, police say Regina is not immune to the unpredictable effects of the “extremely potent and highly addictive” fentanyl.

“While (fentanyl) has an important use as a prescribed medication to manage pain, the illegal use of this drug is very dangerous,” the RPS said in its release.

According to the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, there were 23 deaths caused by fentanyl in the province in 2018, more than any other opioid. Of those, 13 occurred in Regina, the most fentanyl-related deaths in a single Saskatchewan city in a year.

On Nov. 30, officers went to a residence where EMS attended to a 35-year-old woman who had died from what appeared to be a drug overdose. A toxicology report later confirmed the woman’s death was the result of a fentanyl overdose.

A day later, police responded to another fatal drug overdose involving a 35-year-old man, also later confirmed to be caused by fentanyl.

There were 14 deaths in Saskatchewan caused by fentanyl in 2017 and eight in 2016.

In the drug trade, fentanyl has mixed with a number of other drugs. Overdoses have occurred where individuals were not aware they were consuming fentanyl.

Two milligrams of fentanyl (about the size of four grains of salt) is enough to kill an adult. The short-term effects of taking this drug can include: drowsiness, constipation, nausea/vomiting, headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, euphoria, itching and sweating. The signs of fentanyl (and other opioid drug) overdose include: weak breathing, drowsiness, cold/clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, collapse and coma.  nyone observing someone presenting these symptoms should call 9-1-1 immediately.