There has been an update to the overdose alert in Saskatoon after Prairie Harm Reduction’s testing revealed Carfentanil in drugs being sold as Fentanyl.

Two overdoses from smoking this substance, that looks like brown chunks, have been reported. In addition to Naloxone, medical intervention was needed to keep the person breathing.

Multiple overdoses continue to be reported by Saskatoon Fire Department, with 39 new overdoses reported since November 19th.

The Saskatoon Fire Department had reported 104 overdoses between November 11th and 18th, so since Remembrance Day they have dealt with 143 overdoses.

Numerous cases had required multiple doses of naloxone, but it was not always effective.  Several patients had also required some form of resuscitation, for example CPR, and hospital intervention.

Two fatalities were reported on November 17th and now a third fatality has been reported.

The Ministry of Health says dangerous drugs continue to circulate in the area and the overdose alert will remain in effect until December 3rd.

Carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.