Pubdate: Wed, 04 Mar 2015
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Danielle Bell
Page: A3

NANAIMO SEES SPIKE IN OVERDOSES

City Was Behind Only Vancouver in the Province When It Comes to 
Fentanyl-Detected Deaths

Nanaimo is seeing a deadly spike in Fentanyl overdoses, which has 
police and health officials sounding the alarm.

With 18 deaths last year, Nanaimo is behind only Vancouver when it 
comes to Fentanyl-detected deaths in the province, according to the 
B.C. Coroners Service.

"Certainly we have been more affected locally than in other places on 
(Vancouver) Island," said Paul Hasselback, Central Island medical 
health officer with Island Health. "Why we're seeing such an increase 
to overdoses associated to Fentanyl in Nanaimo is unknown at this time."

Vancouver recorded 29 Fentanyl-related deaths in 2014, while Surrey 
came in at 15.

Prince George, Langley and Fort St. John are also among communities 
experiencing deadly Fentanyl overdoses in B.C, which has seen an 
increase in the past three years.

A synthetic narcotic that can be up to 100 times more toxic than 
other drugs, Fentanyl is more potent than heroin. It is usually 
prescribed in a patch to help control pain, but illicit Fentanyl has 
been turning up in liquid, powder and pill form. It is being cut into 
drugs such as cocaine or marijuana, which means users may be unaware 
what they're taking, making it especially risky for recreational or 
first-time drug users.

Of the more than 300 illicit drug overdose deaths last year, Fentanyl 
was found in about 25 per cent the cases, according to the B.C. 
Coroners Service. It's a significant increase from the five per cent 
of overdose deaths Fentanyl was linked to in 2012.

The province-wide spike has police and health authorities warning 
drug users of the increased danger, through a joint awareness 
campaign launched this week in Vancouver. On Tuesday, Vancouver 
police announced Project Tainted, a massive bust targeting the 
Fentanyl drug trade.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom