FATAL STRAIN OF OPIOIDS IN SIMCOE COUNTY, SAYS OPP

DRUGS LACED WITH FENTANYL 'CAN POTENTIALLY KILL'

The OPP is warning people about a potentially fatal strain of opioids circulating in the area.

The alert came after first responders in central Ontario reported seeing seven deaths in one week — four of them in the Simcoe County/muskoka area.

"Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, up to 100 times more potent than morphine and up to 40 to 50 times more potent than heroin," the OPP said in a press release. "If someone's drug of choice is mixed with or contains fentanyl, it can potentially kill them."

Drug dealers are knowingly distributing products that cause harm and could kill, police added. If opioids are laced with fentanyl, it is impossible for a user to determine the quantity they may be using because it can't be seen, smelled or tasted.

Police said it's also possible that fentanyl is being laced with carfentanil — "a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more potent than fentanyl."

Symptoms of fentanyl or opioid exposure may include difficulty walking, talking or staying awake, blue lips or nails, small pupils, cold and clammy skin, dizziness, confusion, choking, gurgling or snoring sounds, and an inability to wake up when shaken or shouted at.

If you see someone experiencing these symptoms, call 911 and use naloxone if possible. Naloxone kits are available at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offices, community health centres, and many pharmacies.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.