RNC warns public of fentanyl following Operation Ragged

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's criminal investigation division (CID) is warning the public of the presence of fentanyl among the seizure connected to Operation Ragged.

In March, the CID began Operation Ragged in response to public safety concerns related to the firing of guns and arson in the community. On Sept. 18 six searches of residences and several vehicles took place in the Avalon area.

Among the items seized were two kilograms of cocaine and more than 1,000 non-pharmaceutical-grade pills. Subsequent to the seizure, the investigators submitted the drugs for testing in order to identify the substances.

Investigators have been informed that along with two kilograms of cocaine were 423 pills of fentanyl, 600 of Percocet and 36 of oxycodone, 380 grams of a cutting agent called phenacetin, as well as 10.3 grams of ketamine, a horse tranquilizer.

This information poses a significant safety concern for those who use, come in contact with or may be near cocaine which could contain fentanyl, ketamine or any of the aforementioned substances.

The ingestion of fentanyl and amounts of the other substances may cause serious injury or death.

The CID requests that anyone with information connected to these substances contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can be provided anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com.