Turtleford RCMP are warning the community about dangerous illicit drugs after two separate sudden deaths occurred on April 11 on Thunderchild First Nation.
Preliminary investigation suggests fentanyl may have been involved in these incidents, but this cannot be confirmed until a toxicology report comes back from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.
During a separate traffic stop investigation on Thunderchild First Nation on April 12, drugs located and seized by Turtleford RCMP from a vehicle later tested positive for fentanyl.
“We need the public’s assistance to help remove these dangerous substances from our communities and fentanyl is just one example,” shares Cpl. Dwight Sacrey of the Turtleford RCMP. “Please report information about the presence of drugs or drug trafficking by calling 310-RCMP or you can report information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.”
For those seeking emergency assistance during an overdose, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection.
Naloxone kits and training and take-home fentanyl and benzodiazepine drug checking strips are available. More information about overdose prevention in Saskatchewan is online.
Signs of an individual experiencing an overdose can include slow, weak, or no breathing, gurgling or choking sounds, lips or fingernails that are blue or they may appear dizzy, confused, or seem exhausted. Stay with the individual and call 911 or your local emergency number to seek emergency medical assistance.