Drugs `can kill you'
Northern chief warns of danger from fentanyl
A northern Manitoba chief is warning that a dangerous and toxic drug is likely circulating in her community, after several community members recently suffered seizures, and she worries someone will end up dead if people continue to get their hands on the drug.
“Please take care and stay safe; drugs are not worth risking your life!” Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) Chief Angela Levasseur said in a notice posted on NCN'S website on Sunday.
Levasseur and NCN'S band council released the notice, after they say more than five NCN citizens have had seizures and/or had to seek medical attention recently after using crack or cocaine that was purchased in the community located more than 850 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
“This is to notify all NCN residents that there are dangerous drugs that are circulating in the community. At this time, it is unknown what these drugs have been laced with or what is causing users to have seizures,” the notice states.
“RCMP and NCN Chief of Law Enforcement are currently investigating.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the community had not announced any official deaths as a result of the suspected drug, but Levasseur said it could just be a matter of time, as the drug is likely still circulating, and she's asking all residents to think twice before using any illegal drugs because of what the consequences could be.
“It is important to note that many drugs used to lace cocaine and crack, such as fentanyl, can kill you,” Levasseur warned.
According to the notice, both crack and cocaine are often laced with substances that can be harmful or lethal, including fentanyl which can be 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin, and 100 times more potent than morphine
“This makes the risk of accidental overdose high,” the notice says.
The community is also warning that people using drugs often take fentanyl without even knowing it, and unknowingly put their lives at risk.
“It is odourless and tasteless. You may not even know you are taking it,” the notice states.
“It can be mixed with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. It is also being found in counterfeit pills that are made to look like prescription opioids.”
There is an increased risk of overdose if you combine fentanyl with alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids such as heroin, the notice also states.
In an email, a RCMP spokesperson confirmed that police are investigating.
“Yes, we are aware of these reports and are following up at this time,” the spokesperson said.
“We are looking for people to come forward with information and ask they call Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837 or Crime Stoppers.”
Issues with drugs, alcohol and addictions have been longstanding in NCN, as last spring Levasseur told the Winnipeg Sun drug dealing and bootlegging of alcohol, as well as gang activity were causing worsening issues with addictions, violence, abuse, and suicides in the community.
“Our people are suffering as a result, especially our children and our Elders. Gang activity has made NCN unsafe. Escalating violence has created an environment where our citizens are living in constant fear,” Levasseur said in March of 2023.
“All this chaos is putting extreme pressure on our entire nation and it's not sustainable.
“Drugs and alcohol continue to fuel violence as gang members attack our citizens and each other. Domestic violence and Elder abuse are rampant as a result of the steady influx of drugs and alcohol into our community.”
Please take care and stay safe; drugs are not worth risking your life!
Chief Angela Levasseur