Police warning: Non-fentanyl synthetic opioid found in seized drugs
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning the public about the dangers of illicit drug use. This warning is due to a non-fentanyl synthetic opioid (NSO) found in a pill that was seized from a crime scene in the fall of 2021.
The pills appeared to be legitimate Percocet pills with "TEC" pressed into one side and a solid line across the middle of the other. The results of a Health Canada laboratory analysis revealed the pills were composed of isotonitazene, benzodiazepine and caffeine.
While some of these NSOs are similar in strength to fentanyl, others (like isotonitazene) are said to be 5-10 times stronger. This can lead to overdose in both new and experienced opioid users.
It is known that potent opiates have been found mixed in with many other kinds of street drugs and NSOs are no different. When you buy drugs on the street, there is no way to know what you are getting and the consequences could be lethal. If you buy and consume any type of illicit drug, you are putting yourself and potentially others at extreme risk.
Anyone who encounters a person who appears to be in a state of overdose should immediately call 911. Naloxone is said to be effective in reversing overdoses involving NSOs, but multiple doses may be required to overcome the effects.Take-home Naloxone kits and training are available free of charge and without a prescription. Naloxone can be obtained from your local Health Unit locations as well as participating pharmacies.
For more information on NSOs you can read this report from Public Health Ontario.
From an OPP News release
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?
Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
People in Gaza are 'wasting' from famine: World Food Programme director
World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain says people living in Gaza are 'wasting' as famine concerns continue amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
WATCH Why today's inflation numbers are good if you have a mortgage
New inflation data is 'welcome news' for consumers and an economist says it could signal the possibility for a interest rate cut as several core measures also continue to ease.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
'Miscommunication' Liberals say of Speaker Fergus event invite Conservatives call partisan
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus is facing fresh Conservative-led calls to resign, this time over "very partisan" and 'inflammatory' language used – the Liberals say mistakenly – to promote an upcoming event.
'Mr. Trump doesn't worry us', says Canadian ambassador
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues the 'Team Canada' charm offensive to U.S. lawmakers and business leaders, Canada's ambassador to the United States downplayed the effect of another Trump presidency on Canada.