From January to November 2023, Alberta RCMP responded to over 100 per cent more drug overdoses than in all of 2022, including frequently suspected fentanyl overdoses with a high fatality rate.
Police also had a 24 percent increase in the number of naloxone deployments in response to overdoses in 2023.
Furthermore, from January to August 2023, there were 1,262 opioid-related deaths in Alberta, which is up by 255 compared to the same period in 2022.
Many of these overdoses appear to be tied to the dangerous practice of cutting fentanyl, according to a release.
To create a cheaper high, fentanyl is being mixed with other substances that are easier and cheaper to access.
A side effect of this mixing is that it reduces the effectiveness of naloxone, meaning more doses are needed to save someone’s life if it works at all.
Alberta RCMP is issuing a warning to the public, reminding them that street drugs are not always what they appear to be.
Furthermore, drugs marketed as fentanyl (sometimes pink, blue, red, purple, or containing a mixture of these colours) may be a mixture of unknown potency and characteristics, making a user’s ‘normal dose’ potentially more dangerous.
The increase in overdoses, and the possible resistance to naloxone, suggest that fatal overdoses may occur more often.
RCMP reminds the public that the signs of a fentanyl overdose include slow, irregular, and shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures, and unconsciousness.
RCMP also reminds the public of these safe practices to follow if you are going to use illicit drugs:
- avoid using while alone.
- ask someone to check on you, or use while on the phone with a trusted person able to call for assistance in the event of an overdose.
- know the signs and symptoms of poisoning/overdose, and call 911 for direction and support.
- carry a naloxone kit, and know how to use it to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning/overdose.
- consider using the Digital Overdose Response System app when consuming drugs.
For anyone seeking help, the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program can assist members of the public who struggle with addiction issues and wish to safely change their life habits and live healthy lives.
This service also offers information to family and friends.
For more information, contact the addiction helpline at 1-866-332-2322.
The RCMP is working with other law enforcement agencies to keep both domestic production and importation of fentanyl out of local communities.
In August, new federal regulations classified certain chemicals as fentanyl precursors, allowing law enforcement to act against any illegal importation, distribution, and use of these precursor chemicals.
The RCMP National Chemical Precursor Diversion Program also liaises with Health Canada and the chemical industry to deal with clandestine laboratories and to provide training to the chemical industry to identify, monitor, and prevent suspicious activity.
The Federal Policing program collaborates with domestic and international law enforcement partners through specialized units such as Federal Serious and Organized Crime, the Alberta Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) Team, and the Integrated Border Enforcement Team.
The Alberta RCMP also employs the expertise of proactive and specialized units, like general investigative sections, crime reduction units, and major crime units, to investigate and build cases to dismantle the high-volume traffickers that are harming our communities.
If anyone has information about illegal activity regarding fentanyl or any other drug, contact local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com, or by using the ‘P3 Tips’ app available through the Apple App or Google Play store.
To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.