Deadly opioid 100 times stronger than fentanyl found in local drug supply, health unit warns
The South East Health Unit (SEHU) is warning the public after a rise in local street drugs testing positive for carfentanil, a powerful opioid up to 100 times stronger than fentanyl.
Carfentanil is extremely toxic, and its presence in the unregulated drug supply makes overdoses more likely and harder to reverse. SEHU says higher doses of naloxone may be needed and urges people to carry the medication at all times.
Officials stress the unpredictability of the street drug supply. They advise people to avoid using alone, mix fewer substances, use slowly, and access supervised consumption services.
Support is available in-person at Kingston’s Consumption and Treatment Services at 661 Montreal Street, open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., or by calling the free National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.
For more information on getting naloxone kits and harm reduction tools, visit Health Unit’s website.