Significant quantity of purple fentanyl seized in Pembroke

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) has made a significant drug seizure in Pembroke. On June 16, 2020, as part of an ongoing investigation, members of the Street Crime Unit, assisted by the members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment arrested an individual in the Church Street area.

Officers seized a large quantity of suspected purple fentanyl (see close-up at right in photo above), as well as smaller quantities of suspected MDMA, crystal methamphetamine, a knife and items typically associated with drug trafficking. 

Braden ROBINSON, age 39 of Pembroke is charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) sec. 5(2) – three counts
  • Possession of a Schedule 4 substance for the purpose of trafficking – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) sec. 5(2)

The accused is scheduled to appear by video for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on June 17, 2020.

 

Dickson,B., OPP East Region(2020,June 17) SIGNIFICANT SEIZURE OF PURPLE FENTANYL IN PEMBROKE [media release]

Photos OPP

 

Editor’s Note:  The Current provides additional information given that this highly toxic and potentially lethal substance is in the region. Media reports within the past several weeks state that police throughout Eastern Ontario have seized purple fentanyl.

On May 27 the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit reported seeing an increase in overdoses in the Perth area including three suspected fatalities since the beginning of May. The recent overdoses appear to be related to a toxic batch of “purple fentanyl” powder. The stress, uncertainty and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to increased substance use amongst vulnerable populations. The Health Unit encourages people who use substances to continue to engage with harm reduction services for single use equipment, naloxone and further access to services and referrals, and encourages the following safer use practices:

  • Carry a naloxone kit
  • Importance of calling 911 in the event of an overdose
  • Avoid mixing substances
  • Use a small test dose first
  • Do not use alone

Residents are reminded that an overdose is a medical emergency. Anyone who suspects or witnesses an overdose should call 9-1-1. Harm reduction supplies, including Naloxone kits, are offered throughout Renfrew County & District during the COVID–19 pandemic. Please click HERE to visit the Renfrew County & District Health Unit website for more information.  

 

 

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