Drugs with fentanyl, W-18 seized in Surrey

Health Canada tests have confirmed the presence of dangerous substances laced into other illicit drugs in two B.C. communities.

The RCMP say pebble heroin seized in Surrey in December has come back positive for the chemical W-18, a drug developed as a potential painkiller.

The Mounties say cocaine seized by the West Shore detachment on Vancouver Island last May also tested positive for the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

Health Canada warned RCMP this particular strain of fentanyl had not been seen in the area before.

At the time the cocaine was seized, police say there had been three overdoses in the area that authorities were called to.

RCMP assistant commissioner Jim Gresham says these results are a reminder to illicit-drug users that there are dangers no matter where they buy their drugs.