Police warn of potentially fatal fentanyl circulating in Prince Albert

Primary care paramedics with the Saskatoon Fire Department are equipped with naloxone, which can restore breathing to someone experiencing a fentanyl or opioid overdose. (Alex Pankratz/CTV Saskatoon)

As Saskatoon struggles to contain its own wave of overdoses, Prince Albert is now facing a similar threat.

In a late Saturday night news release, the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) alerted the public about a potentially deadly batch of fentanyl circulating in the city.

Police say they are investigating multiple overdoses in a 24-hour period involving fentanyl.

PAPS warns that any drug not prescribed by a doctor or dispensed by a pharmacist can result in serious injury or death.

“Members of the public are also reminded of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act which serves to provide some legal protection for individuals who experience or witness an overdose and seek emergency help,” PAPS said in the release.

According to the police, symptoms of an overdose may include slowed or lack of breathing, gurgling, gasping or snoring, clammy and cool skin, blue lips or nails, and difficulty waking up or staying awake.

If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The warning comes as Saskatoon has been grappling with an overdose crisis in the past month, with over 300 overdoses and multiple suspicious deaths since Feb. 15.

On Wednesday, Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block said a dangerously lethal batch of drugs had made its way onto Saskatoon streets, putting lives at risk across the city.

To fill gaps in communication and help support organizations that are dealing with overdoses in Saskatoon, the provincial government activated the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre last week.