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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.