NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE POLICE SERVICE
*************************
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Algoma Public Health would like to advise the public that a drug exhibit submitted to Health Canada from a recent large drug seizure in Sault Ste. Marie was found to contain cyclopropyl fentanyl.
Health Canada has issued an alert advising that this substance is newly encountered in our community and is known to be associated to overdose or deaths.
This substance is presented as a new form of illicit drug that individuals may be unaware they are consuming. This substance is so new that limited information is available on its safety and toxicology.
Given the nature of this substance, the likelihood of its presence in our community and the potential health and safety risks that it could pose, we strongly advise that all illicit drugs consumed including heroin, cocaine and fentanyl should be considered to contain cyclopropyl fentanyl. This substance could also represent a threat to someone handling it without taking appropriate health and safety precautions.
Cyclopropyl fentanyl is a fentanyl analogue that is chemically similar to fentanyl; however it is unknown how the human body will react to this drug since it is not intended for human or veterinary use. Synthetic fentanyl drugs are so potent that overdoses can occur via inhalation or absorption through the skin. The substances, even in the smallest quantities, are extremely dangerous.
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is committed to reducing the harm caused by illicit drug use in our community. Anyone with any information regarding the use of this substance is asked to contact the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers' website at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637.
*************************