Drug-testing spectrometers deployed at two locations in Saskatchewan

There’s a new initiative in Saskatchewan that could offer some more protection for people who use drugs.

The Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and community-based organizations are providing funding for Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, or drug-checking devices.

In a release Thursday, the government said the spectrometers identify what’s in a drug and can alert users if it contains a contaminant like fentanyl.

The spectrometers are located at the Newo Yotina Friendship Centre’s overdose prevention site in Regina and Prairie Harm Reduction’s supervised consumption site in Saskatoon.

“Our priority is getting people treatment and on the path to recovery,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Everett Hindley said in the release. “The drug-checking spectrometers provide data to help users of drugs, law enforcement, and public health alike better understand the risk profile of the drugs on our streets.

“The goal of this initiative is to help reduce the number of overdoses in the province and save lives.”

Through the first two months of 2023, the province’s chief coroner reported 103 suspected overdose deaths in Saskatchewan. If that trend continues through the year, the province will see a record 618 overdose deaths.

“The FTIR is a valuable tool for us to use in harm reduction education, substance use awareness and to assist us in fighting the overdose crisis,” Newo Yotina Friendship Centre executive director Teresa Innis said in the release.

“People will be able to make a more informed decision on the drugs they choose. Along with the results, the harm reduction team can give advice on how to proceed with safer use or on how to dispose of the substance safely.”

The drug-checking test is free and anonymous, the government said. It provides results within about 10 minutes.

As well, take-home fentanyl and benzodiazepine drug-checking strips are available at more than 30 locations in the province.