Toxic opioid carfentanil linked to 15 deaths in Alberta
EDMONTON – The RCMP have already warned that 20 micrograms (less than a grain of salt) of the opioid carfentanil can be fatal.
Now, Alberta Health officials confirm the drug is responsible for 15 drug overdose deaths in the last few months. Of that number, 14
occurred between September and the end of November.
Chief medical officer of health, Dr. Karen Grimsrud, has expressed deep concern over the number of deaths.
“It’s possible these individuals were not aware they were taking it. Albertans need to know that carfentanil is here – in Alberta cities and towns – and that it’s an extremely dangerous and deadly opioid. Even the smallest trace can be lethal.”