The Assiniboia RCMP have declared that the sudden death of an Assiniboia man was due to Fentanyl-laced illicit drugs.

The statement comes after the conclusion of an investigation into the man's death on March 10th. At approximately 5:25 p.m., Assiniboia RCMP responded to a report of a sudden death at a residence in the town of Assiniboia. When officers attended the scene, they located a deceased adult male. Shortly after, local EMS arrived and pronounced the man dead at the scene

Officers believe that the particular fentanyl-laced drug responsible for the tragedy may still be circulating in Saskatchewan and are warning the province's residents to avoid all illicit drugs. Street drugs are often sold as one thing but often end up containing other dangerous substances such as fentanyl. It has been known to have been mixed with other drugs such as heroin and cocaine. It has also been used in tablets made to look like prescription drugs. Fentanyl is odourless, tasteless, and hard to detect.

RCMP Media Relations Officer Corporal Rob King warns of the drug's potency.

"Fentanyl is a very dangerous drug and it's very small quantities can be lethal to any person that may be ingesting it."

He states that the drug is normally regulated as a pain killer but, given that the illicit drug trade has no regulations, there is no way of preventing lethal amounts from being mixed with other illicit drugs.

Tragedies like this are happening more and more in Canada and King stresses the importance of quick action on the part of residents.

"Immediately phone 911 if you're in the company of someone that you believe is in a state of crisis or medical emergency."

Contact with any amount of fentanyl should be completely avoided and police should be notified. If any member of the public finds illicit drugs they are concerned may contain fentanyl or carfentanil, they should leave the area and immediately call 911. Do not handle or touch them. Do not bring them to your local RCMP Detachment.

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately.

For more information about Fentanyl, you can read more here.