Saugeen Shores Police have identified what they say is a dangerous drug in local street drugs.
Police say back on August 28th, 2020, officers started a weapons investigation in Port Elgin and seized brass knuckles, two airsoft pistols, and a baggie of unknown purple powder.
Police sent the purple powder to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for analysis. They say on January 7th 2021 Saugeen Shores Police were made aware that the unknown purple powder contained a mixture of substances including Fentanyl and Etizolam.
Polic e say Etizolam is described as a benzodiazepine substance similar to Diazepam but ten times more toxic. This drug is not an opioid but would fall in the category of a Central Nervous System Depressant.
One of the major concerns police say they have about the presence of Etizolam is that its effects cannot be reversed by administering the overdose drug Naloxone.
Harm Reduction advice includes:
Avoiding using alone. When using with someone else, avoid using at the same time. Call the OVERDOSE PREVENTION LINE at 1-888-853-8542 if you must use alone
Avoiding mixing different drugs. Mixing drugs, including alcohol, increases the risk of overdose.
Go slow. Use smaller amounts and do test doses to check the strength of the drug.
Knowing your tolerance. The current street supply may be toxic and fatal.
Getting overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit.
Overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department. The Good Samaritan
Drug Overdose Act provides protection from simple possession charges when 911 is called for an overdose.
Naloxone is available for free from pharmacies and at the Grey Bruce Health Unit Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 4 pm, no appointment needed.
For those looking for support:
Mental Health Crisis Line of Grey Bruce: 1-877-470-5200,
ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 or the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic: 519-376-3999.