Police detect new substance posing overdose risk in Halton
Published February 26, 2020 at 8:17 pm
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has received notification from Health Canada that analysis of a drug seized in Halton by the HRPS earlier this year, has been identified as a mixture of f
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has received notification from Health Canada that analysis of a drug seized in Halton by the HRPS earlier this year, has been identified as a mixture of flualprazolam, fentanyl, caffeine and dimethylsuplhone.
Flualprazolam is a synthetically manufactured benzodiazepine derivative (central nervous system depressant) similar in nature to Xanax, but far more potent.
While the HRPS is not aware of any confirmed or suspected overdoses related to flualprazolam in the region, the potential risk of this novel substance required a community alert at the earliest opportunity.
Flualprazolam has been linked to deaths in North America.
According to the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), “the human toxicity of flualprazolam has not been extensively studied but recent association with drug user death leads professionals to believe this new benzodiazepine retains the potential to cause widespread harm and is of public health concern.“
Videos
Flualprazolam is not an opioid, meaning that naloxone may not reverse the effect of an associated overdose.
Despite this, the community is encouraged to administer naloxone in the event of any suspected overdose, as you will not know what drugs caused the overdose.
If you use drugs or have a friend or family member who uses drugs, it’s important to know the signs that could help save a life in the event of an overdose.
An overdose is a medical emergency. If any signs are seen, it is important to call 9-1-1 right away.
Signs include difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake, blue lips or nails, very small pupils, cold and clammy skin, dizziness and confusion, extreme drowsiness, choking, gurgling or snoring sounds, slow, weak or no breathing and the inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at.
Frontline officers and other first responders in Halton carry naloxone and they want to assist.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose.
This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Another tip is to carry naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
Naloxone is available free-of-charge in Halton at:
- Regional Health Clinics (in Acton, Burlington, Georgetown, Milton and Oakville) and Halton Region Needle Exchange Program (Exchange Works)
- Some local pharmacies. To find a pharmacy that distributes naloxone, visit the Ontario government’s Where to get a free naloxone kit web page.
It’s important to remember not to use drugs alone and don’t let those around you use alone either.
If you overdose when you are alone, there will be no one there to help you. If you are using with someone else, don’t use at the same time.
The quality of street drugs is unpredictable. Any drug can be cut with, or contaminated by, other agents or drugs (e.g. fentanyl), which in very small amounts can be harmful or fatal. Know your tolerance and always use a small amount of a drug first to check the strength. Go slow.
The HRPS will not be providing further details on the occurrence in which the drug was seized.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising