P.E.I.’s Chief Public Health Office has warned of the presence of fentanyl in the province after the death of a man in his 40s on Friday.
The province’s coroner has reported the death was related to an overdose involving fentanyl. Summerside police were notified late Friday. An investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement are reporting concern of the presence of fentanyl in the Summerside area.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has been known to be combined with illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine or other pills in powdered form. Many individuals who use drugs are often not aware of the presence of fentanyl in these street drugs.
The province reported on Saturday there have been 11 accidental opioid-related overdoses in the province since April 2020, 8 of which have been linked to fentanyl. The province has reported there have been three opioid overdose-related deaths so far this year as of June.
Individuals who use drugs are advised to reduce their risks and to carry a naloxone kit, which can be used to reverse an overdose. Naloxone kits can be obtained from the provincial Needle Exchange Program by calling 1-877-637-0333.
Individuals with information related to this event are asked to contact the Summerside Police Services at 902-432-1201, Prince District Joint Forces Drug Section at 902-432-9300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).