Police Chief Paul Ladouceur is reacting to the arrest for drugs and stolen property last week, and in particular, the belief that fentanyl might be involved.
A conditions check Thursday by members of the Estevan Police Service eventually led to the arrest of three people between two residences and the seizure of drugs and recovery of stolen property.
The stolen property is believed to have been taken from a business in central Estevan in late September. Police also seized an amount of crystal meth and a green substance, believed to be fentanyl. Tests for fentanyl have yet to be confirmed.
“The big concern here is the fentanyl,” said Police Chief Paul Ladouceur. “We’re waiting on the test to come back from that, but it’s certainly of concern to our members, because it poses a risk to our members’ safety as well as public safety, and that’s why we decided we wanted to get that (information) out there before we even get the results back to let the community know there is a good chance that fentanyl is within this community.”
A small amount of fentanyl can be trafficked, and a tiny amount of the drug can be lethal.
“This is a drug that can be absorbed through the skin. It can be inhaled. It can be unknowingly consumed by members of the public,” said Ladouceur. “And the other problem with fentanyl is it comes in so many different forms. It’s not just pill form. From the medical field, yes it’s pill and patch form. When we start getting into the illegal forms, it can include a powder, a pill, a piece of blotter paper that users can place under the tongue. Often times it can be mixed with other drugs, whether it be heroin or cocaine. Users might consume it unknowingly.”
The Drug and Intelligence Unit will be working hard to look at the significant impact on the community.
EPS members have been equipped with naloxone nasal spray kits for several years, in case they encounter someone who has overdosed on fentanyl.
The investigation is still ongoing and names will not be released at this time. Further charges are anticipated.
If people come into contact with a suspicious substance, the EPS asks them to call the police, rather than trying to dispose of it.
