Fentanyl and carfentanil seizure in Banff leads to charges

The Banff RCMP have laid additional charges against a man arrested on November 7, 2018. Steven Michael Konowalchuk, 35, has been charged with five counts of possession of a Schedule I substance after drugs recovered at the time of arrest were determined to be cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and carfentanil. Konowalchuk remains in the custody of the Correctional Service Canada.

Carfentanil is a highly potent analogue of fentanyl which can be lethal in very small doses. Carfentanil was produced by a pharmaceutical company for use as a tranquilizing agent for large game animals in veterinary applications.

“Opioids are not just an urban issue,” said Staff Sergeant Michael Buxton-Carr. “Fentanyl and carfentanil have been found in Banff and in other small Albertan communities. Bow Valley residents are advised not to handle any substances they suspect may contain opioids and to call the RCMP for assistance. Information about opioids including recognizing signs of overdose can be found at www.BowValleyDrugRisks.ca”