Synthetic opioid 10 to 20 times stronger than fentanyl detected in Saskatoon
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS) is warning of a highly potent opioid detected in the Saskatoon area.
The synthetic opioid, known as etonitazene, can be seen in the form of an orange powder or grainy substance.
Etonitazene produces a similar euphoria and relaxation effects as other opioids, like morphine and fentanyl.
The CPSS said the substance is “10 to 20 times more potent than fentanyl.”
Because of its strength, the chance of overdose is increased and stronger doses of naloxone may be required.
“There is a significant risk of overdose due to its potency which may require greater than normal doses of naloxone in the event of an overdose,” the CPSS warned in a statement.
The CPSS said etonitazene is “newly encountered” in Saskatchewan and is circulating in the Saskatoon area.
Saskatoon Police Chief Troy Cooper is calling the drug detection “a concern.”
“We’ve seen almost a doubling of overdose calls,” Cooper told CTV News.
He said officers have had to administer naloxone twice as much in 2021 than last year.
“We’re seeing an increased drug presence in the community,” Cooper said, adding that drug seizures have increased 7 per cent.
The Saskatoon Fire Department said overdose calls come in bursts. Emergency crews can respond to 40 to 100 overdose-related calls per month.
Rob Hogan, the fire department’s deputy chief of operations, said responding to fentanyl and other opioid overdoses can put first responders at risk.
“Because of the high potency of this, just a small amount of it, if it touches your skin, or you breathe it in — it could affect you,” Hogan said.
Hogan said synthetic opioids can be so potent, he’s heard of situations where paramedics and firefighters having to administer naloxone to themselves, after responding to an overdose.
Health Canada’s Drug Analysis Service notified the CPSS following a Nov. 2 lab report looking into the substance.
In May, Toronto was alerted of etonitazene circulating in the city as well.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.