CORNWALL, Ontario – The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is warning of the presence of purple heroin in Cornwall.
Purple heroin is a mix of deadly drugs including heroin, methamphetamine and more.
“There have also been reports that a blue substance is circulating. These substances could come in the form of a powder, or a putty-like or denser more rock-like substance. The EOHU has not received a laboratory confirmed report of the contents of the substance. However, similar substances have tested positive for Fentanyl and its analogues, such as carfentanil, throughout the province,” reads a statement from the EOHU.
The EOHU characterizes Fentanyl and Carfentanil as toxic opioids responsible for a significant increase in overdoses across North America. Carfentanil is a more powerful variation of Fentanyl designed for use on large animals and is in no way safe for humans to use. Carfentanil is around 10,000 times more powerful than morphine.
“People who are using street drugs or counterfeit medications in our region may not realize that their drugs might have been cut with substances that can be deadly in tiny doses,” warns Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health with the EOHU. “As always, the safest option is not to use street drugs or counterfeit medications at all. You should only use medications that have been prescribed by your healthcare provider and dispensed by a pharmacy.”
Cornwall Police Service (CPS) can confirm that drugs including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine have been seized by police through investigations, as recently as Aug. 28. Drug seizure analysis is conducted off-site at a Health Canada facility, so CPS can not confirm specifics surrounding purple heroin.
“The CPS is working diligently to combat drug trafficking and distribution in the City of Cornwall. Our Street Crime Unit has conducted a number of evidence-based drug investigations targeting traffickers of opiates and other illicit drugs. So far in 2019, the CPS has executed 12 search warrants and has laid a total of 207 relevant drug charges from the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, as well as the Cannabis Act. In addition, a total of $232,174 worth of drugs and currency has been seized as a result of these investigations. We are continuing to work closely with community stakeholders and law enforcement partners to prevent these drugs from entering our community. We recognize the complex social challenges of drug use and the dangers it poses to public safety. The CPS has taken the proactive measure of equipping all frontline patrol officers with naloxone kits,” said CPS Inspector Chad Maxwell of the Field Operations Division.
Anyone with information on illegal drug activity in the City of Cornwall is encouraged to contact CPS’s anonymous tip line at 613-933-5000 ext. 2404.
