Police warn public of potent synthetic opioid found in Halifax

Release:

Police are warning the public of a highly potent synthetic opioid that was seized in a drug trafficking investigation in Halifax last month.

Over a two-week period in February, investigators in the Guns and Gangs Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by members from the Drug Unit, West Division Quick Response Unit, Emergency Response Team, Criminal Investigative Unit and Patrol Division conducted a number of searches in relation to a drug trafficking investigation. Through the investigation, investigators conducted a search of a residence on Dentith Road on February 12 and seized multiple items including approximately 1900 unknown pills.

As part of our standard protocol, the drugs were sent to Health Canada for analysis. Health Canada confirm that the tablets are isotonitazene, a synthetic opioid similar to but stronger than fentanyl. This is the first seizure of this drug in Halifax.

 The pills were a white triangle shape with “M” scored on one side and “8” scored on the other. The appearance of the pill may lead people to believe they are consuming a different drug. Given the potency of the drug, a person may need several doses of naloxone to counter an overdose caused by isotonitazene.

Police are urging anyone who consumes the drug to seek immediate medical assistance.

More information on opioids is available at:

• https://novascotia.ca/opioid/
• https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/drug-prevention.html