Winnipeg police issued a warning to the public on Friday about fake prescription pills circulating that instead contain fentanyl and other drugs.
According to a media release, members of the Guns & Gangs Unit have recently received reliable information that a number of counterfeit Alprazolam (Xanax) pills have been found to contain fentanyl or other unknown synthetic drugs.
Police want to remind those who illicitly use drugs that what they are taking may contain dangerous substances such as unsafe cutting agents or other narcotics. These substances may sometimes lead to severe harm or death.
The Winnipeg Police Service encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses a drug overdose to contact 911 immediately. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people who seek emergency help for an overdose and anyone at the scene when help arrives.
To reduce the risk of an overdose, never use drugs alone and always carry Naloxone if opioids may be present.
Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477. Tips can also be submitted online at https://www.winnipegcrimestoppers.org/.
Northern Plains Freelancer 