RCMP in Nunavut preparing to use naloxone

There are no recorded fentanyl overdoses in Nunavut, but that is not stopping RCMP in the territory from being prepared.

"We've made it mandatory to receive training on administrating and carrying naloxone," said Sgt. David Lawson, community policing coordinator and media liaison with the RCMP in Nunavut.

Naloxone is a medication that, when injected, can stop the effects of an overdose for a short period of time. 

Each of the RCMP detachments across the territory is receiving naloxone in preparation, Lawson said. 

"We're still testing out to see how the drug does outside in extreme cold, so... we're still not sure yet if were going to be carrying it on the person or at the detachment."

While illicit fentanyl use has not yet been seen in the territory by law enforcement, the RCMP has seen cocaine and ecstasy used, Lawson said. Most of the drug use is cannabis, he said. 

• Stolen fentanyl recovered in Kugluktuk, Nunavut

There has been growing concern nationwide over increasing numbers of fentanyl overdoses, including eight in a 24-hour period in Yellowknife in late November. Like in the Northwest Territories, health centres across Nunavut are stocked with naloxone.