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Fentanyl Found in Cocaine: Major Health Alert Issued
1 Nov
Summary
- Cocaine suspected to be contaminated with fentanyl reported in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Fentanyl-laced cocaine has caused overdoses and other harms.
- Naloxone kits recommended and available via 811 or distribution sites.
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) has alerted the public to a concerning trend: multiple reports of cocaine suspected to contain fentanyl. These incidents have primarily occurred in the eastern and Labrador-Grenfell regions of the province. The Canadian Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (CCENDU) has also indicated that these substances may appear in other areas.
Community reports suggest that cocaine contaminated with fentanyl has resulted in overdoses and other adverse health effects. CCENDU advises that sudden drowsiness or difficulty waking after using cocaine should immediately raise suspicion of opioid contamination and a potential overdose. Other critical signs of opioid overdose include slowed or absent breathing, unresponsiveness, pinpoint pupils, blue lips and nails, and cold, clammy skin.
To combat the effects of opioid contamination, CCENDU strongly recommends the use of naloxone kits. These kits are readily accessible by calling 811 or by visiting a local distribution site. Residents are urged to be aware of the risks and to seek help if overdose symptoms are observed.
