A recent police drug bust in Innisfail proves Alberta's leading public health problem is dangerously active in town.
On Dec. 14, Innisfail RCMP arrested a Calgary man in connection to the seizure of 46 fentanyl pills, a drug that has killed 213 people in Alberta during the first nine months of 2015.
The year before fentanyl was linked to 120 deaths in the province, while four years ago just six deaths were attributed to the drug, a synthetic opiate narcotic primarily prescribed to those with chronic pain. Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 20 times more powerful than OxyContin.
Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk said his officers are coming across fentanyl just like almost every other detachment in Alberta.
"It is becoming more commonplace. It isn't the first time we have seen some but so far not like the big cities but we are seeing fentanyl here,î said Matechuk.
The Dec. 14 bust occurred after Innisfail RCMP responded to a complaint from a local hotel about a patron providing false vehicle information and acting suspiciously. Due to evidence collected at the scene, Mounties were soon entering into a drug investigation, said a news release issued by Innisfail RCMP.
With the assistance of the Calgary Police Service, the 46 fentanyl pills, cocaine and more than $35,000 cash were seized from the suspect and his vehicle.
A 26-year-old Calgary man was arrested and faces charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Matechuk said he could not comment on whether the Calgary suspect is a "major playerî in the fentanyl drug trade but added Calgary police are "very interested in him.
"This is the first time we have come across him locally,î said Matechuk, who confirmed out-of-town drug trade players are making their rounds in Innisfail. "This isn't the first time. We do see it. Anybody selling drugs is a concern.î
Meanwhile, the provincial government recently announced it's stepping up its lobbying to the federal government to change the rules to make the antidote to fentanyl overdose more easily accessible. The antidote is called naloxone and has proven effective if it is administered quickly. However, naloxone is only available by prescription.
Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said earlier this month the province has purchased 2,000 extra naloxone kits.
Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk
"It is becoming more commonplace. It isn't the first time we have seen some but so far not like the big cities but we are seeing fentanyl here."
