Airdrie RCMP have responded to 23 related reports of Fentanyl so far this year compared to 18 calls in total last year.

The types of incidence include crime prevention, possession of a controlled substance, mental health, assistance to ambulance, assault, and many more.

"There have been two reported deaths believed to be Fentanyl related," said Cst. Jennifer Weedmark. "Most recent from 2016 which is still under investigation, and the other from 2015 which has been confirmed as a Fentanyl overdose."

Reports show that Fentanyl is highly addictive and 100 times more toxic than morphine, heroin, or oxycodone.

RCMP want to remind you of the risks, and share the signs and symptoms related to Fentanyl use and/or overdose.

  • breathing is slowed or not breathing at all
  • nails and or lips are blue
  • choking or throwing up
  • making gurgling sounds
  • skin is cold and clammy
  • can't wake up

Cst. Kyla Currie said that Fentanyl is seriously a very dangerous and deadly drug that can be mixed with a variety of different drugs. The effects of Fentanyl are unpredictable, and users have no idea of the level of purity or potency of what they are taking.

In 2015, there were 274 deaths in Alberta associated with Fentanyl. 

To save a life, Naloxone kits are available for free to anyone who is at risk of an Opiod overdose or a family member living with someone at risk.

For a list of participating pharmacies, visit the Alberta Health Services webpage.