Following a report from Health Canada on April 16, regarding a large drug seizure and suspected fatal overdose, the Alberta RCMP is issuing a warning to the public.
A large quantity of a drug containing Fluorofentanyl mixed with Bromazolam (a benzodiazepine), was serized on Feb. 28, 2024. It was the first ecorded instance of Bromazolam in Alberta.
The analyzed drug was oval in size, stamped with “20” and “SS,” though it can come in other forms.
Bromazolam was linked to nine fatal overdoses in New Brunswick in 2022, according to a report published by the Government of New Brunswick[. As per this report, naloxone is not effective in reversing the effects of Bromazolam.
Any fentanyl laced with Bromazolam would see a reduced effectiveness of naloxone, requiring the use of additional doses and may still result in a fatality.
In Alberta, from January to November 2023, the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System report shows 1,706 opioid-related deaths and 57 benzodiazepine-related deaths while, in 2022, for the same time period, these numbers were 1,375 and 43 respectively.
This means that opioid-related deaths have increased by 24 per cent and benzodiazepine-related deaths have gone up by 32.5 per cent.
Furthermore, for all of 2023, Alberta RCMP have responded to approximately 1,100 opioid-related calls for service with 368 (33.4 per cent) of these being fatal. There were also 67 naloxone deployments by Alberta RCMP, increasing by 31.3 per cent since 2022.
“Your Alberta RCMP is committed to fighting the import and creation of drugs within the province and does so through various units and duties,” stated a release.
“If anyone has information about illegal activity regarding fentanyl or other illicit drugs, please contact your local police.”
To remain anonymous, can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.