Guelph Police Statement on Opioid Risk & Defeating It. 

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In June of 2017, the Guelph Police Drug Unit conducted a drug trafficking investigation that culminated in the arrest of a Guelph male and Brampton male for possession of numerous controlled substances for the purpose of drug trafficking.  One of those substances was suspected to be heroin.   A Health Canada analysis of the substance believed to be heroin discovered that it contained fentanyl and carfentanil.  This is the first instance that a Health Canada analysis has confirmed that carfentanil has been seized by the Guelph Police Service.  

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid similar to fentanyl, however it approximately 100 times more powerful.  It is imperative that all drug users, frontline agencies and friends/families of drug users be aware that fentanyl and carfentanil is in our community and appreciate the deadly consequences of fentanyl ingestion.

Death by overdose is greatly reduced if an individual receives immediate medical treatment.  Naloxone is a drug that can counteract the effects of an opiate overdose and is available for free at numerous pharmacies in Guelph.  If an overdosing individual is administered naloxone quickly and transported to hospital for additional treatment their chance of survival is extremely high. That follow-up treatment is just as critical because the naloxone only blocks the opiate reaction caused by the drugs, but they are still present in a person’s system.  

It is recommended that if someone uses illicit drugs that they never use alone and always have naloxone on hand in order to treat an overdose.

Signs and symptoms of an opiate overdose include nodding off to the point of unconsciousness, a snore-like gurgling or choking sound, limpness of the body, unresponsive to outside stimuli and weakened or absent heartbeat. If you believe that someone is overdosing or are simply not sure, call 911 immediately. Your quick action may save a life.