OPP warn public of purple fentanyl in Lennox and Addington
The Lennox and Addington County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the OPP Community Street Crime Unit have issued a warning to the public after finding purple fentanyl in the community shortly after a Public Health warning of a toxic batch of drugs still circulating in KFL&A.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging the public to consider the potentially-lethal consequences of opioid use in a media release dated Monday Dec. 14, 2020. The Lennox and Addington County OPP continues to investigate suspected drug overdoses, including deaths. According to the release, the OPP is looking into any potential links between some of these incidents, but these cases highlight the fact that the misuse and abuse of controlled substances is dangerous and potentially deadly.
As a law enforcement organization, the OPP’s role is to investigate opioid-related incidents with an acute focus on the apprehension of those who produce, import and traffic illegal drugs.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain reliever that is similar to morphine, but OPP say it is estimated to be 50 – 100 times stronger. Carfentanil is a toxic synthetic opioid that is not intended for human consumption. According to the release, both of these opioids may become mixed into street drugs, resulting in serious health issues including death, even in small quantities.
If you suspect someone is overdosing or is in need of medical attention, immediately call 9-1-1 and stay with the victim.
At the centre of the OPP’s response to the opioid crisis is the spirit of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act which is intended to save lives, according to the release. It applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before the arrival of first responders. The act also protects anyone else who may be at the scene when help arrives.
Trafficking in opioids is a very serious offence, OPP stated in the release. According to police dealers are knowingly distributing products that cause harm and could kill.
Police remind everyone there is no safe use of illegal drugs and encourage anyone with information about potential drug overdoses or trafficking to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. If it is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.