By CHAT News Today

Carfentanil discovered in Medicine Hat

Feb 2, 2017 | 4:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A deadly drug linked to multiple deaths across Canada has been discovered in Medicine Hat.

The Medicine Hat Police Service announced in a news release late on Thursday they confirmed the first ever seizure of carfentanil in the city.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl, and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. The drug, originally developed as a sedative for large animals, can cause a fatal overdose in humans from one or two small grains. The drug cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste.

Staff Sgt. Cory Both with the police service`s organized crime section noted the carfentanil was seized several weeks ago as “unknown white powder,” and sent to Health Canada for analysis.

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“The danger is that people don`t know what they`re ingesting, so it can easily be mixed in with another drug, or mistaken as another drug,” he said.

Both said the carfentanil seized by police was mixed with powdered caffeine and was likely being sold as cocaine. He adds police are issuing a strong warning about the drug to the public, and to those who partake in illegal drug use.

“Carfentanil is out there, it is present, and it culd very well be in the drugs you are taking,” he said.

The Organized Crime Section and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) are investigating. To report illegal drug activity anonymously, call the MHPS Drug Tip Line at 403-502-8909.

If you or someone you know is in need of treatment for drug addiction or substance abuse, call the AHS Addictions Help Line at 1-866-332-2322.