Mounties are warning the public of a powerful synthetic opioid, more potent than fentanyl, circulating in Fort St John, B.C.
According to a release issued by the Fort St John RCMP Thursday morning, the “very toxic” drug, named Isotonitazene, has recently been found in counterfeit Oxycodone tablets throughout the region.
Mounties say Northern Health issued a drug advisory March 27, warning of round, white pills sold as Oxycocet, which contain Isotonitazene.
The synthetic opioid is not detected on fentanyl test strips, and it can be difficult to determine the amount when it is within the round pills.
“Because of the way ingredients for pills are mixed, the potency of each street pill can vary significantly,” said Const. Chad Neustaeter.
“The pills are like making chocolate chip cookies – some cookies have six chocolate chips, others have 16 which, when it comes to fentanyl or synthetic opiates, can be fatal.”
The warning comes after three reports of sudden deaths attended by Mounties in Fort St John, where the cause was believed to be consistent with an opioid overdose.
Mounies are urging people who use drugs to never use them alone, and to carry Narcan or Naloxone kits, which are available for free at the Salvation Army and various clinics.
Anyone who is struggling with addiction, or knows someone who is, can contact the B.C. Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service Line at 1-800-663-1441 to find services available locally.
Mental health clinicians are also available at the Fort St John Women’s Resource Society located at 9908 and 9912 96th Avenue.
