SURREY, Canada — An unusual pre-Christmas warning has been issued to the families of recreational drug users by Mounties in Surrey, B.C., after several suspected fentanyl overdoses.
Police say the respiratory depressant is 50 to 100 times more toxic than morphine and is being cut into other illegal drugs.
#Fentanyl hiding in many recreational drugs. Keep an eye on loved ones this holiday season https://t.co/fL2ZGmFKiS pic.twitter.com/fLfMzwW03c
— Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) December 17, 2015
The death of a Surrey woman on Tuesday morning was just the latest in a series of overdoses that Mounties suspect are linked to the drug.
Chief Supt. Bill Fordy of the Surrey RCMP is asking parents to keep an eye on young adult children who may consume illicit drugs and will be returning home for the holidays.
Dr. Marcus Lem of the Fraser Health authority says people who use illegal drugs should not mix them with alcohol and should be accompanied by a sober buddy who can call for help in needed.
#Fentanyl may be hiding in the drugs you're using. It can kill you. https://t.co/hVxPlgM5p7 @SurreyRCMP pic.twitter.com/H8fL8UAsWB
— Fraser Health (@Fraserhealth) December 16, 2015
Early symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include severe sleepiness, a slow heartbeat, difficult breathing, cold and clammy skin and trouble walking or talking.
