Saskatoon police make dent in fentanyl supply as overdose crisis continues

As Saskatoon experiences a fentanyl-related overdose crisis, the city’s police force has made a dent in the supply of the powerful opioid.

According to police, officers seized 1,814 pills which have “presumptively tested positive for fentanyl.” Samples of the pills have been sent to Health Canada for further analysis, the Saskatoon Police Service said in a statement.

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“The seizure of these pills confirms that drugs are appearing in different forms (i.e. pressed and powder), and the public is reminded that any drug not prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist can result in serious injury or death,” the police service explained.

Saskatoon police also reminded the public about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which provides some legal protection to those who seek emergency help for an overdose.

“Symptoms of an overdose may include but are not limited to: slow or no breathing; gurgling, gasping or snoring; clammy and cool skin; blue lips or nails; and difficulty waking up or staying awake,” the police service explained.

“If you suspect someone may have experienced an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately.”

Since February 25, the Saskatoon Fire Department said it has responded to at least 300 overdose calls and several suspicious deaths.

The situation has led to frustrations among firefighters and paramedics, and the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre was activated earlier this week to better co-ordinate the response between the City of Saskatoon and the Government of Saskatchewan.