Updated at 1:23 p.m.: A previous version of this story said the drug Remifentanil is 100 times stronger than Fentanyl.
When questioned by Sudbury.com about the accuracy of the statement, Greater Sudbury Police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn said that information was based on a statement given to officer after the theft, but turned out to be incorrect. Both drugs are about the same strength, but Remifentanil is administered intravenously, which makes its effects occur faster than Fentanyl, which is administered through a patch.
Original story
Dangerous drugs were stolen during a break-in at a doctor's office on Notre Dame Avenue on July 28.
Once inside, the suspect or suspects forced entry to a locked pharmacy, taking the following medications:
-168 vials of Fentanyl
-78 vials of Versed
-70 vials of Remifentanil
-10 bottles of Morphine
Reminfentanil is 100 times stronger than Fentanyl,* and could be fatal. Precautions must be taken if handling this drug. If located, notify Greater Sudbury Police immediately.
“The Greater Sudbury Police Service is aware that the abuse and sale of prescription drugs continues to be of concern to the safety and well-being of our community,” a press release said.
“Members of the public are urged to take extra precautions when in the care of legal and prescribed medications. If you are in possession of any unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs, you can drop them off for proper disposal at any drug store or pharmacy at any time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Sudbury Police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS, online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com or by texting TIPSUD and the information to CRIMES (274637).
*Police have now clarified that this information is incorrect. Remifentanil is faster-acting but is about the same strength as Fentanyl.
