Pubdate: Sat, 12 Aug 2017
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2017 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.winnipegsun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.winnipegsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503
Author: Scott Billeck
Page: 5

UNDER COVER

RCMP add fentanyl protective gear

Manitoba's 1,080 front-line RCMP officers are getting an added layer
of protection in the fight against fentanyl and other opioid exposure
in the province.

The Manitoba government is investing nearly $54,000 on new personal
protective equipment, which the RCMP say will be available to each of
their front-line officers by the end of the year.

The new equipment kit, paid for by the criminal property forfeiture
fund, includes respiratory and eye protection.

"This is a great support system for our members, knowing they will be
safe when they encounter this type of drug," assistant commissioner
and commanding officer of the RCMP in Manitoba Scott Kolody said at a
press conference at the RCMP's D Division on Friday.

Manitoba Minister of Justice Heather Stefanson said the fentanyl
problem is becoming more and more prevalent across the country,
including here at home.

"We're very concerned about that but that's why we're taking these
precautions to ensure the safety of our officers and the safety of our
citizens as well," she said.

The RCMP said that 30% of its front-line officers have already been
outfitted with the new kits.

Stefanson said the province is always in discussions with other
provinces, including British Columbia, who are dealing with a
significant fentanyl crisis there.

"It's really where this started and they're ahead of the game on a lot
of these issues," she said.

The RCMP say that any white powder they come across is being treated
as potential fentanyl. Last November, front-line RCMP officers were
outfitted with Naloxone kits that help reverse the effects of a
fentanyl overdose.

Kolody said that by no means are RCMP officers in Manitoba
experiencing the same numbers when it comes to fentanyl as other provinces.

"But it's here," he said. "We've had a number of cases here this past
year and a number of significant seizures. They're not anything right
now, at this standpoint, that's out of control, but certainly it's
prevalent this year."

Stefanson added that discussions with the Winnipeg Police Service have
taken place with regards to bringing in similar protection.

"We'll be, in the next little while, announcing as well from the
criminal property forfeiture fund, what we'll expending those monies
on," she said. "Stay tuned."

Since 2010, the Manitoba government says that more than $16.5 million
in assets have been successfully forfeited to the province through
criminal property forfeitures. This year, the RCMP D Division will
receiver $382,000 from the fund, which will be invested in specialized
tools, resources and training and equipment to enhance road safety
initiatives, including radar guns and license plate readers.
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MAP posted-by: Matt