“It’s spreading across the country, leaving a trail of misery and death,” RCMP commissioner Bob Paulson said about fentanyl. RCMP officers will now carry naloxone nasal spray in case they are exposed to the powerful opioid. ( Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS )VANCOUVER—RCMP officers will soon be carrying naloxone nasal spray to protect themselves against accidental contact with opioids such as the potentially deadly fentanyl. “That was just after a 15-minute exposure in a vehicle,” Dupuis said, adding that officers at traffic stops may believe they are dealing with cocaine or heroin, unaware that a substance is laced with fentanyl. Last week, the Vancouver Police Department announced its front-line officers would be carrying naloxone spray in case of exposure to opioids, and the Abbotsford Police Department said it will be ordering naloxone kits.

Source: thestar September 13, 2016 21:56 UTC