Airdrie RCMP is warning residents about the dangers of the illegal use of fentanyl, saying that calls concerning the deadly drug are on the rise this year in the community.
Officials say that in 2015, Airdrie RCMP responded to 18 calls related to fentanyl use. As of September of this year, they say there are already 23 reports.
The RCMP also says that there have been two reported deaths in the community believed to be connected with fentanyl use, one of which from earlier this year which is still under investigation.
Fentanyl is highly addictive and very potent, about 100 times more powerful than morphine, heroin or oxycodone.
Signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include:
- breathing is slowed or not breathing at all
- nails and/or lips are blue
- choking or throwing up
- making gurgling sounds
- skin is cold and clammy
- can’t wake up
“Fentanyl is seriously a very dangerous and deadly drug that can be mixed with a variety of different drugs. The effects of Fentanyl are unpredictable, and users have no idea of the level of purity or potency of what they are taking,” said Constable Kyla Currie, a drug recognition expert with the Airdrie RCMP.
In 2015, there were 274 deaths in Alberta associated with fentanyl.
