RCMP, RNC announce largest illicit fentanyl seizure ever in N.L.

Three ounces of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl were seized from a residence in Steady Brook on June 19, according to a joint police task force, in what's being dubbed the largest seizure of fentanyl ever in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The seizure comes after police saw an uptick in overdoses and sudden deaths in the Corner Brook region. Last week, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary warned of illicit drugs following two sudden deaths and several overdoses in the area.

"In light of a number of recent overdose deaths in our province, the seizure of such a large quantity of fentanyl is very concerning," said RCMP Staff Sgt. Dave Emberley.

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Nash Denic says there have been 11 fentanyl-related deaths so far this year, which is already a significant increase from a total of nine last year.

Emberley said three ounces of fentanyl contains approximately 840 doses. On the island's west coast, he said, one dose has a street value of $40, meaning the total seizure has a value of $33,600.

Denic said this seizure likely prevented 40 fentanyl-related deaths.

"I am very confident that we saved lives as a result of getting this fentanyl off the street," said RCMP Supt. Stefan Thoms.

Details of Arrest

A 25-year-old man was arrested in the bust. Police say he recently moved to Newfoundland from British Columbia.

The RCMP suspect he is affiliated with the B.C.-based organized crime group called BIBO, or "Blood-in Blood-out."

The arrest occurred as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation on the west coast, called Project Beamline.

On June 18, the police attempted a traffic stop on the Trans-Canada Highway near Pasadena, as part of the investigation. The man initially pulled over for police but then drove away very fast. Police say they did not pursue his vehicle for safety reasons.

Later that day, officers obtained a warrant to search his residence in Steady Brook, where they said they found three ounces of fentanyl, 16 ounces of cocaine and $22,000 in cash.

They also found a red liquid they suspect is used to dye the drug pink. Police say this is done for marketing reasons so the drug can be called "bubblegum" on the street.

Police located and arrested the man on June 19, and charged him with eight criminal offences including trafficking fentanyl and cocaine; possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine; dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; flight from police; and possession of property obtained by crime.

He was scheduled to appear in court in Corner Brook on Friday afternoon.

Police also say the investigation will continue.

Avoiding overdose

The RCMP warn that fentanyl is potent and that even the smallest amount can be lethal.

Denic said fentanyl is cut with other dangerous potent drugs commonly found in veterinary practice, such as Xylazine and deworming medication.

"So the buyer never knows what he or she is buying," said Denic.

RNC Deputy Chief Colin McNeil urged people to call 911 if they encounter someone experiencing symptoms of a drug overdose. He also recommends having a naloxone kit nearby when with a drug user.

However, Denic says that while naloxone kits are useful for opiate overdose, in the case of fentanyl overdose, one naloxone kit won't cut it. He said many doses of naloxone are needed to save someone from a fentanyl overdose.

He also advised drug users to always have a safe person with them to administer naloxone.

Free naloxone kits are distributed by the Department of Health and Community Services. Distribution sites can be found on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website.

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