Saskatoon police say use of new, dangerous opioid difficult to track
Saskatoon Police Service says that the use and presence of potent new synthetic opioids known as nitazenes are difficult to track and monitor.
"The different analogs are often only detected after samples of seized synthetic opioids are sent to Health Canada for analysis. Synthetic opioids typically contain numerous substances that act to replicate the effects of traditional heroin; nitazene is one of many additives that, when combined with fentanyl, can create a lethal combination resistant to naloxone," spokesperson Joshua Grella said in a statement Wednesday.
"As always, we would remind members of the public that any drug that is not prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist can result in serious injury or death. Further, we encourage the public to familiarize themselves with and tell others about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act which provides some legal protection to those who experience or witness an overdose and seek emergency help."
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction this week warned that nitazenes are a rising presence in the drug supply of potent synthetic opioids.
Nitazenes are often more potent than fentanyl and appear unexpectedly in drugs assumed to contain other types of opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone and non-medical benzodiazepines, the centre says.
The rise coincides with an increase in prevalence of benzodiazepines, which are often used as sedatives and tranquillizers.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan issued an advisory last November warning of the first detection of such a drug in the Saskatoon area.
This type of substance was only detected in less than one per cent of samples analyzed by Health Canada in 2021 — which four times the levels detected in 2020, the substance use centre said.
"One of the purposes of these alerts is not necessarily to put them out when the house is burning down, but more when there's a spark that got out of the fireplace," said Sarah Konefal, research and policy analyst at the centre.
- With files from Erika Ibrahim, The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.