Drugs seized in traffic stop were dangerous

August 17, 2018, 3:12 am

A variety of drugs seized during a may traffic stop by Yorkton RCMP have turned out to have some very dangerous components.

Analysis by Health Canada has revealed that the substances known as fentanyl, carfentanil, cyclopropylfentanyl, methoxyacetylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl and heroin were found in the drugs seized during this incident.

On May 25, 2018 at 12:15AM, Yorkton RCMP Municipal members attempted a traffic stop, however the vehicle failed to stop for members.

Later that night the vehicle was located and a traffic stop was conducted.

The driver was prohibited from driving and arrested.

Within the vehicle, members located several drugs including substances believed to be methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine and hydromorph-cotins.

As a result:

50-year old Linda Becker of Yorkton was charged with the following:

-Possession for the purpose of trafficking x7
-Possession of a controlled substance
-Possession of property obtained by Crime
-Driving while disqualified/prohibited
-Flight from police

29-year-old Frederick Charles Severight of Yorkton was charged with the following:

-Possession for the purpose of trafficking x7
-Possession of a controlled substance
-Possession of property obtained by Crime

Both have been made their first court appearances, and are remanded until Tuesday May 29, 2018 at Yorkton Provincial Court.

Public safety is a concern in situations like this. Therefore, the RCMP again wish to warn the public of the dangers of consuming illicit drugs from unregulated sources.

Street drugs are often represented as one thing but can unknowingly contain lethal substances such as fentanyl. This particular drug may still be circulating in Saskatchewan.

Contact should be completely avoided and police should be notified.

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority supports harm reduction strategies and urges those who may be using illicit drugs, in particular intravenous drugs, to not use alone,” said Gary Shepherd, Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services in Yorkton.

“In the event of an overdose, using naloxone can save lives; even in the case of an opioid that has been mixed with a non-opioid. Take Home Naloxone (THN) kits are available for free to people at risk of an overdose and those in the community that interact frequently with those at risk.”

When administered properly, naloxone can temporarily restore breathing and consciousness to an individual experiencing an overdose.

Naloxone acts fast and the protective effect lasts for 30 to 90 minutes, providing time for first responders to reach the patient and begin treatment.

Always call 9-1-1 so that immediate treatment by trained medical professionals can take place, even if the individual seems ok after naloxone is administered.

Saskatchewan residents who are at risk of an opioid overdose and/or might witness an opioid overdose, such as friends and family of a person who uses opioids, are eligible for free training and a free Take Home Naloxone Kit.

Naloxone is also available for purchased at pharmacies across Saskatchewan.

The Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan has a list of pharmacies that carry naloxone.

Addiction counsellors are also available to provide support and treatment options by contacting 1-888-989-8444.

For more information, you can visit http://www.saskatchewan.ca/opioids#take-home-naloxone.

If any member of the public has illicit drugs they are concerned may contain fentanyl or carfentanil they should leave the area and immediately call 911.

Do not handle or touch them.

Do not bring them to your local RCMP Detachment. After calling 911,

the appropriate resources will be deployed.

Fentanyl, carfentanil and other illicit opioids continue to be a top priority for the RCMP.