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RCMP warns of dangerous substance seized for first time in St. John’s

Writer's picture: Web WritersWeb Writers

The RCMP is warning the public of a dangerous substance that was seized in St. John’s last month. Health Canada confirmed the substance was a mixture of fentanyl and medetomidine, a highly potent Central Nervous System Depressant tranquillizer, intended for veterinary use.


On December 17, 39-year-old Joseph Reardon was arrested for drug trafficking on the parking lot of a commercial property on Frecker Drive in St. John’s. Following his arrest, a vehicle on the parking lot was searched. Police located and seized cocaine, oxycodone, methylphenidate, a quantity of suspected fentanyl and a sawed-off shotgun.


A laboratory report received on January 30 confirmed the substance as a mixture of fentanyl and medetomidine. According to Health Canada, this is the first seizure of medetomidine in this province. Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquillizer approved for surgical use in animals and is not safe for human consumption. Mixing this substance with fentanyl, which on its own is highly potent and dangerous, makes this an extremely lethal combination.


As a result of this investigation, Reardon is facing a number of charges.


Those who choose to use opioids or other dangerous substances should never do so alone and should plan and prepare for opioid overdose by carrying a Naloxone kit.

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