Police remind public of drug risks after seizing fentanyl, meth, cocaine

Police in Saskatoon are reminding the public about the dangers of illegal drugs, as the city finds itself in the midst of an overdose crisis.

According to the Saskatoon Police Service, officers arrested a 39-year-old and a youth after executing a search warrant on Embassy Drive on March 6.

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During the investigation, police seized 27.7 grams of fentanyl, 70.13 grams of methamphetamine, 19.07 grams of cocaine, 28 pregabalin pills (an anticonvulsant medication commonly used to treat epilepsy), and two dilaudid pills. Police said the fentanyl seized by officers was brown and red in colour.

The seizure comes as overdose numbers are spiking in Saskatoon. 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 last week to better co-ordinate the response between the City of Saskatoon and the Government of Saskatchewan.

“SPS would like to remind the public that any drug not prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist can result in serious injury or death,” the police service said in a statement.

Police also reminded the public about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which provides some legal protection for those who seek emergency help after witnessing 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 added.

“If you suspect someone may have experienced an overdose, call 911 immediately.”