Alberta RCMP issue warning in wake of recent fentanyl overdoses
On April 16, 2024, Grande Prairie RCMP received a report from Health Canada regarding a drug that had been seized on Feb. 28, 2024. A large quantity of this drug was seized following a suspected fatal overdose.
In the wake of this report, Alberta RCMP is issuing a warning to the public. The drug contained Fluorofentanyl mixed with Bromazolam, which is a benzodiazepine, and the first recorded instance of Bromazolam in Alberta. The analyzed drug was oval in size, stamped with “20” and “SS”, though it can come in other forms.
Bromazolam was linked to nine fatal overdoses in New Brunswick in 2022, according to a report published by the Government of New Brunswick[1]. As per this report, naloxone is not effective in reversing the effects of Bromazolam. Any fentanyl laced with Bromazolam would see a reduced effectiveness of naloxone, requiring the use of additional doses and may still result in a fatality.
In Alberta, from January to November 2023, the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System report shows 1706 opioid-related deaths and 57 benzodiazepine-related deaths while, in 2022, for the same time period, these numbers were 1375 and 43 respectively. This means that opioid-related deaths have increased by 24% and benzodiazepine-related deaths have gone up by 32.5%. Furthermore, for all of 2023, Alberta RCMP have responded to approximately 1100 opioid-related calls for service with 368 (33.4%) of these being fatal. There were also 67 Naloxone deployments by Alberta RCMP, increasing by 31.3% since 2022.
The Alberta RCMP remind the public that the signs of a fentanyl overdose include slow, irregular and shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures and unconsciousness. Alberta RCMP also want to remind 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, you can contact the addiction helpline at 1-866-332-2322. There you will be able to access information on opioid dependency, treatment and access to support and resources.
Your Alberta RCMP is committed to fighting the import and creation of drugs within the province and does so through various units and duties. If anyone has information about illegal activity regarding fentanyl or other illicit drugs, please contact your 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.
*Photos of seized drugs below*
Cpl Mathew Howell
Public Information Officer – WAD
