Edmonton – From January to November 2023, Alberta RCMP have responded to over 100 percent more drug overdoses than in all of 2022,[1] including frequent suspected fentanyl overdoses with a high fatality rate. Alberta RCMP also had a 24 percent increase in the number of naloxone deployments in response to overdoses in 2023.[2] Furthermore, from January to August 2023, there were 1262 opioid related deaths in Alberta, which is up by 255 compared to the same time period in 2022.[3]
Many of these overdoses appear to be tied to the dangerous practice of cutting Fentanyl. In order to create a cheaper high, Fentanyl is being mixed with other substances that are easier and cheaper to access. A side effect of this mixing is that it reduces the effectiveness of naloxone, meaning more doses are needed in order to save someone's life, if it works at all.
The Alberta RCMP is issuing a warning to the public, reminding them that street drugs are not always what they appear to be. Furthermore, drugs marketed as fentanyl (sometimes pink, blue, red, purple or containing a mixture of these colors) may in fact be a mixture of unknown potency and characteristics, making a user's "normal dose" potentially more dangerous. The increase in overdoses, and the possible resistance to naloxone, suggest that fatal overdoses may occur more often.
The Alberta RCMP remind the public that the signs of a fentanyl overdose include slow, irregular and shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures and unconsciousness. Alberta RCMP also want to remind the public of these safe practices to follow if you are going to use illicit drugs:
- Avoid using while alone.
- Ask someone to check on you, or use while on the phone with a trusted person able to call for assistance in the event of an overdose.
- Know the signs and symptoms of poisoning/overdose, and call 911 for direction and support.
- Carry a naloxone kit, and know how to use it to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning/overdose.
- Consider using the Digital Overdose Response System app when consuming drugs.
For anyone seeking help, the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program can assist members of the public who struggle with addiction issues and wish to safely change their life habits and live healthy lives. This service also offers information to family and friends. For more information, you can contact the addiction helpline at 1-866-332-2322. There you will be able to access information on opioid dependency, treatment and access to support and resources.
The RCMP is working collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies to keep both domestic production and importation of Fentanyl out of our communities. In August, new federal regulations classified certain chemicals as fentanyl precursors, allowing law enforcement to act against any illegal importation, distribution, and use of these precursor chemicals. The RCMP National Chemical Precursor Diversion Program also liaises with Health Canada and the chemical industry to deal with clandestine laboratories, and to provide training to the chemical industry to identify, monitor and prevent suspicious activity. The Federal Policing program collaborates with domestic and international law enforcement partners through specialized units such as Federal Serious and Organized Crime, the Alberta Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) Team, and the Integrated Border Enforcement Team.
The Alberta RCMP also employs the expertise of proactive and specialized units, like General Investigative Sections, Crime Reductions Units and Major Crime units, to investigate and build cases to dismantle the high-volume traffickers that are harming our communities.
If anyone has information about illegal activity regarding fentanyl or any other drug, please contact your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
[1] 1026 suspected drug overdoses (all drugs combined) from January 2023 to November 2023, compared to 511 in 2022. Of these suspected overdoses, 347 (33.8%) resulted in death. Though only the medical examiner can confirm overdose deaths and the type of drugs used, this is the preliminary information collected by responding members of the Alberta RCMP.
2 63 naloxone deployments from January 2023 to November 2023 compared to 51 deployments for all of 2022.
3 Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System report.
[1] 1026 suspected drug overdoses (all drugs combined) from January 2023 to November 2023, compared to 511 in 2022. Of these suspected overdoses, 347 (33.8%) resulted in death. Though only the medical examiner can confirm overdose deaths and the type of drugs used, this is the preliminary information collected by responding members of the Alberta RCMP.
[2] 63 naloxone deployments from January 2023 to November 2023 compared to 51 deployments for all of 2022.
[3] Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System report.