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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.