TIMMINS — Drugs seized in a search in Timmins this summer have tested positive for carfentanil.
In response, Timmins Police Service and the Porcupine Health Unit have issued a public safety advisory.
July 18, search warrants were executed at three Timmins residences and 10 people were charged.
Police also seized a significant quantity of purp, methamphetamine tablets, cocaine, more than $15,000 in Canadian currency, a 10 mm handgun, a prohibited weapon, and an assortment of drug paraphernalia.
Timmins Police corporate communications co-ordinator Marc Depatie said the seized drugs were sent away for analysis, which he said is common practice for these types of investigations.
The analysis, said Depatie, shows that some of the substances were carfentanil, which is more lethal than fentanyl.
“Our drug guys were keenly aware of the fact that this particular substance was making its way into northern Ontario and onto the streets of Timmins, but now we have confirmation that that’s the case,” he said.
He said the opioid is a direct threat to the well-being of the user.
“Anybody who’s struggling with addiction issues or if they’re considering experimenting with this particular type of substance, they are placing themselves at risk,” he said. “You can’t sugarcoat this, you can’t ignore the fact that carfentanil is a direct threat to any person’s well-being.”
Purple heroin, known as purp, is heroin and an opioid such as fentanyl or carfentanil.
“These people are not sophisticated chemists. They are drug traffickers and those persons who are producing this particular substance, they don’t have a degree in chemistry so they’re going by their best guess as far as how to prepare this particular substance for street distribution. There's no quality control attached," said Depatie.
With carfentanil being linked to the July seizure, he said it's "reasonable to assume that a measure of those substances are already in circulation."
"With that in mind, we want the public to be as alert and aware to the fact that there are substances being trafficked in the Timmins that are unsafe for human consumption,” he said.
The confirmation of carfentanil comes less than a week after International Overdose Awareness Day was marked in Timmins.
For the event, family and friends who have lost someone to an overdose, emergency workers and more gathering at the Porcupine Health Unit for a flag-lowering and moment of silence.
The Porcupine Health Unit wants people to be aware of the toxicity of carfentanil.
"Overdose can affect anyone. It can take just one time for a tragic outcome," said Dr. Lianne Catton, Porcupine Health Unit medical officer of health, in a news release.
Naloxone, which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is available for free at the health unit officers, pharmacies, and other partner agencies.
Timmins Police says it will continue to investigate all matters linked to the distribution and trafficking of controlled substances, with a priority on opioid or carfentanil-based substances.
Anyone with information about the distribution or trafficking of these substances can call Timmins Police at 705-264-1201. To remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.P3tips.com.
