Sudden deaths prompt dangerous drugs warning from Turtleford RCMP

Two sudden deaths on Thunderchild First Nation may be related to fentanyl, according to Saskatchewan RCMP.

In a news release on Saturday, Turtleford RCMP said they are warning the public of the presence of dangerous illicit drugs circulating in their detachment area after the two deaths on April 11.

RCMP said preliminary investigation suggests fentanyl may have been involved in the deaths, adding that it cannot be confirmed until they receive toxicology results from Saskatchewan Coroners Service. The investigations into the deaths are ongoing. Fentanyl is one of the most deadly substances in the illegal drug trade, either on its own or mixed into other drugs to provide an extra kick.

During a separate traffic stop investigation on Thunderchild First Nation on April 12, Turtleford RCMP said drugs found in a vehicle later tested positive for fentanyl. That investigation is also ongoing.

“We need the public's assistance to help remove these dangerous substances from our communities, and fentanyl is just one example,” Cpl. Dwight Sacrey of the Turtleford RCMP said in the release.

Any information about the presence of drugs or drug trafficking can be reported by calling 310RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or at saskcrimestoppers. com.

For those seeking emergency assistance during an overdose, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection. The act was passed to help reduce deaths from substance use.

Under the law, no one who seeks emergency medical or police assistance can be charged or convicted of simple drug possession if the evidence was discovered because that person sought assistance or stayed at the scene of the emergency.

Nearly 250 people died of confirmed accidental drug overdoses in 2023, according to the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, and 181 of those deaths were linked to fentanyl. There are 176 more suspected drug toxicity deaths that had not yet been confirmed by the provincial coroner in December 2023.

Members of the public can keep naloxone — which can reverse an overdose from opioids including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications — on hand if they or someone they know is at risk of overdose.

The province offers a takehome naloxone kit available free of charge at many locations in the province. Naloxone can also be purchased at certain Saskatchewan pharmacies.

Here's what the RCMP says you need to know in case of an overdose:

Don't use alone. Let someone you trust know of your plans to use.

Know the signs — someone experiencing an overdose may show signs and symptoms that include slow, weak or no breathing, blue lips or nails, dizziness and confusion, can't be woken up, is making choking, gurgling or snoring sounds or has drowsiness or difficulty staying awake.

An overdose is a medical emergency. If you witness one, call 911 immediately.