The RCMP are warning residents about extremely toxic street drugs circulating in the Fort St John area after responding to three sudden deaths between April 3 -9, all believed to be the result of opioid overdoses.
Investigators say the deaths are linked to counterfeit white Oxycodone tablets containing Isotonitazene, a powerful synthetic opiate that can be as potent — or even more potent — than fentanyl.
The drug was recently detected in the area and is particularly dangerous because it does not show up on fentanyl test strips, making it difficult to detect before use.
Northern Health issued a region-wide Drug Advisory on March 27 after Isotonitazene was found in round white pills sold as Oxycocet. That advisory expires Thursday.
“The potency of each street pill can vary significantly,” said Const. Chad Neustaeter, Media Relations Officer for the Fort St John RCMP.
“The pills are like making chocolate chip cookies — some cookies have 6 chocolate chips, others have 16 — which, when it comes to fentanyl or synthetic opiates, can be fatal.”
RCMP are urging people who use drugs to avoid using alone and to carry Narcan or Naloxone kits, which are available for free from the Salvation Army and several local clinics.
Those struggling with addiction are encouraged to reach out for help. The B.C. Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service Line can be reached at 1-800-663-1441. In Fort St John, mental health clinicians are also available at the Women’s Resource Society at 9908 and 9912 96th Ave. A list of local emergency contacts is available on the organization’s website.