FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 10, 2018 3:15pm
(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit is advising Ottawa residents that a purple putty-like substance possibly containing Fentanyl was found in Ottawa yesterday during the execution of a warrant (see related release).
Police have submitted samples for analysis through Health Canada to confirm the controlled substances contained in it; and await confirmation that it does in fact contain Fentanyl or Fentanyl analogues (see picture.)
“This is reminder that there is no reliable way for the user or a peer to confirm what drug is actually being ingested,” said Staff Sergeant Rick Carey, Ottawa Police Drug Unit. “Nothing can ensure a person’s safety when they use illegal drugs.”
The Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and the local Overdose Prevention and Response Task Force continue to encourage people who use drugs to know the risks associated with the consumption of illicit drugs and to seek assistance from the many health and support resources available in Ottawa. An overdose is considered a medical emergency and 9-1-1 should always be called for all suspected overdoses.
For more information on Fentanyl, please visit www.StopOverdoseOttawa.ca. This web resource also includes information on where to get help in Ottawa, tips for parents, local data on overdoses and drug use, and how to prevent overdoses.
For more information on where to access naloxone user’s training programs, call the Drug and Alcohol Helpline at 1-800-565-8603. You can also consult the Ontario Poison Centre page on Opioid Overdose Management or call 1-800-268-9017.
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