Canada’s Largest First Nations Police Warn of Extremely Toxic Drugs

Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), has issued a community safety alert due to the circulation of extremely toxic drugs in many of the communities it serves. The alert comes after a significant spike in apparent opioid-related overdoses in NAPS’s northeast region this month, with several incidents proving fatal.

NAPS has observed a troubling increase in opioid-related overdoses, notably involving fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. The situation is exacerbated by traffickers mixing additional chemicals or cutting agents with fentanyl, heightening its danger. Fentanyl is often dyed in various colors, but police cannot provide a specific description of the drugs responsible for the overdose spike as traffickers frequently change their product’s appearance.

“Such a description could present a false sense of security for users,” NAPS cautioned in a news release on Saturday.

Community members are urged to keep a supply of Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, on hand and to monitor individuals suffering from suspected opioid-related overdoses.

“If you, or anyone you know, suffers an overdose, please seek medical attention immediately, even if the effects appear to have been reversed by Naloxone,” NAPS advised.

The alert was issued shortly after a Toronto man was arrested in Thunder Bay with a thousand grams of cutting agents, highlighting the ongoing issue of dangerous drug distribution.

NAPS emphasized that the use of dangerous opioids like fentanyl is indicative of severe addiction issues. They encourage those in need to seek assistance by contacting the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction at 1-866-531-2600.

The police service also urged anyone with information about ongoing drug-trafficking activities to contact their nearest NAPS detachment or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

This alert underscores the critical need for community awareness and proactive measures to combat the opioid crisis affecting First Nations communities. The NAPS continues to monitor the situation closely and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities it serves.

For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to stay in touch with local authorities and community health resources.