Mounties say fentanyl may be to blame for two deaths on Sask. First Nation

The deaths of two people Thursday on the Thunderchild First Nation have prompted a warning about illicit drugs in the area.

In a media release Saturday, the Turtleford RCMP said preliminary investigation into the deaths suggested that fentanyl may have been involved, but the Mounties noted that can’t be confirmed until toxicology reports are received from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

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Then, during a traffic stop on the Thunderchild First Nation on Friday, drugs were seized from a vehicle by the Turtleford RCMP. The Mounties said those drugs subsequently tested positive for fentanyl.

The investigations into both incidents are continuing.

The Thunderchild First Nation is about 100 kilometres northwest of North Battleford.

“We need the public’s assistance to help remove these dangerous substances from our communities and fentanyl is just one example,” Cpl. Dwight Sacrey of the Turtleford RCMP said in the release.

“Please report information about the presence of drugs or drug trafficking by calling 310-RCMP or you can report information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.”

Naloxone kits and take-home fentanyl and benzodiazepine drug checking strips are available in Saskatchewan. More information about overdose prevention can be found here.

“Signs of an individual experiencing an overdose can include slow, weak or no breathing, gurgling or choking sounds, lips or fingernails that are blue, or (the person) may appear dizzy, confused or seem exhausted,” the release added. “Stay with the individual and call 911 or your local emergency number to seek emergency medical assistance.”