An analysis conducted by Health Canada has confirmed that pills seized by the Prince District Joint Forces Operation (JFO) during the execution of a search warrant in Kensington earlier this year contained fentanyl and heroin.
On January 24, 2022, members of the JFO Unit executed a targeted traffic stop and a search warrant, seizing what was believed to be heroin, 731.5 oxycodone tablets, 65 – 8 mg hydromorphone tablets, 18.5 alprazolam tablets, brass knuckles, money, and drug paraphernalia. A 28-year-old man has since been charged with several drug-related offences in relation to the investigation.
Following the analysis, it was determined that some of the oxycodone tablets were counterfeit and contained fentanyl, while others contained heroin.
"These pills can be hard to distinguish from legitimate oxycodone pills," says Cpl. Nick Doyle with the Prince District JFO Unit. "Fentanyl and heroin are very powerful drugs that can be lethal. It's all the more dangerous if someone is not aware that the drugs they are consuming contain other substances."
The counterfeit pills seized vary in sizes, weight and colour from legitimate oxycodone pills. Some of the pills were also crumbled near the edges.
The public plays an important role in helping to reduce, prevent and solve crime, including the trafficking of illegal drugs. Anyone with information about, or who suspects, illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact the Prince District JFO Drug Unit at 902-436-9300. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).