Police warning follows pair of fentanyl deaths

Officials in Regina caution that even tiny amount of highly potent drug can be fatal

REGINA Regina police have issued a public warning after confirming recently that two deaths in that city were from fentanyl overdoses.

On Nov. 30, officers went to a residence where EMS attended to a 35-year-old woman who had died from what appeared to be a drug overdose. A toxicology report later confirmed the woman’s death was the result of fentanyl abuse.

A day later, police responded to another fatal drug overdose involving a 35-year-old man, also confirmed caused by fentanyl.

Although the deaths occurred weeks ago, police only now confirmed they were as a result of fentanyl overdoses.

In a news release, the Regina Police Service (RPS) said it doesn’t know if the fentanyl involved in the two deaths came from the same source. Police cautioned that no matter the source, even a tiny amount of fentanyl can be fatal.

The Saskatchewan Coroners Service says there have been seven confirmed deaths in Regina involving fentanyl this year, as of Oct. 2. The total for the province, also as of Oct. 2, is 11 (with one in Saskatoon, two in Maidstone and one in Yorkton.) Updated figures aren’t available until January.

The short-term effects of taking fentanyl can include drowsiness, constipation, nausea/vomiting, headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, euphoria, itching and sweating.

Signs of a fentanyl or other opioid overdose can include weak breathing, drowsiness, cold/clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, collapse and coma. Those who see someone displaying these symptoms should call 911 immediately.

Police, in conjunction with health-care professionals, are urging people to pay attention to the dangers of illegal substance abuse. In the news release, they advise:

Drugs obtained from a friend,

■ a dealer or an online source pose tremendous risks to the user;

Drug dealers don’t care about

■ quality control or safe dosage;

There is no way for customers to

■ know what they are getting;

If you don’t take drugs, don’t

■ start;

If you are struggling with addiction,

■ see a health professional;

Parents should discuss the

■ issues with children.

Anyone with information that could help police in drug investigations can contact their local police agency or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).