Fentanyl drug overdose caused deaths of Moncton men

RCMP say two Moncton men died of an overdose of the drug fentanyl in an apartment last month.

Their bodies were discovered in an apartment on MacAleese Avenue on Nov. 9.

Foul play has been ruled out as autopsies have determined their deaths were caused by an overdose of the drug fentanyl.

During the investigation, RCMP seized a white, crystallized power substance from the scene that is believed to have been purchased online.

Analysis of the substance indicated it is a derivative of fentanyl, which is a potent synthetic drug normally prescribed for pain.

"Trafficking of fentanyl in RCMP service areas in New Brunswick appears to be minimal at this time,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Janes with the Codiac Regional RCMP. "However, we are watching closely and taking measures to warn the public of the dangers of this drug in any form when not used under a physician’s instructions."

RCMP warn there is a possibility the drug involved could be found in some New Brunswick communities and it may be combined with other illicit drugs or consumed in a powder form.

Since 2007, there have been six deaths linked to an accidental overdose of fentanyl in New Brunswick.

Because foul play has been ruled out as a cause of death, the RCMP is not releasing the names of the victims, who were 29 and 36 years of age.