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Sask RCMP Renew Warning About Dangers of Illicit Drugs

After the Swift Current RCMP warned the public of the presence of dangerous illicit drugs in the Swift Current and surrounding areas, Saskatchewan RCMP renew their warning about the dangers of illicit drugs.

Recently, Swift Current RCMP officers responded to two fatal overdoses involving suspected fentanyl. On December 29, 2022, a 30-year-old man passed away and a 27-year-old man died on December 31, 2022.

According to the police, the two men did not consume the same substances. One substance is a green powder; the other substance consists of clear or white crystals. The two substances did not look like regular fentanyl and may not have been sold as fentanyl. However, police field tests of both substances detected the presence of fentanyl.

When consuming illicit drugs, the public is urged to take special precautions, such as:

-Never use alone
-Let someone you trust know of your plans to use
-Always carry a Naloxone kit. The Government of Saskatchewan offers a ‘take home naloxone’ kit available free of charge at many locations in the province.
-Call 911 if you suspect an overdose is occurring

RCMP is also reminding the public that if you do use drugs or have a loved that does, to know what to do during an overdose.

Here’s what you need to know:

Have a plan. One of the risks of using street drugs is they can contain other substances the user may not be aware of. This can have serious effects on the body or even be fatal. If you don’t know the strength or what is in it, use small amounts. Don’t use alone. Take turns or let someone you trust know of your plans to use.

How to recognize an overdose. Someone experiencing one may show signs and symptoms that include:

-Slow, weak or no breathing
-Blue lips or nails
-Dizziness and confusion
-Can’t be woken up
-Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
-Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

What to do when an overdose occurs.

An overdose is a medical emergency. If you witness one, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders, including frontline Saskatchewan RCMP officers, carry naloxone, a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of overdoses caused by opioids.

You have some legal protection if you call for help.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The Act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives.

There is help available. If you want to quit using drugs, there are services available to support you. To find services near you, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/addictions. You can also call the Province of Saskatchewan’s HealthLine at 811.

If you have information regarding the overdosing incidents or the substances involved in these incidents, please call Swift Current RCMP at 306-778-4870. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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