With respect to enforcement City ByLaw is the lead on this issue. (2)
Hamilton Police Service Major Drugs and Gangs Unit has confirmed that over 2,500 pills seized in a recent investigation have tested positive for Protonitazene, a potent synthetic opioid that falls under the category of Nitazenes.
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, Hamilton Police executed search warrants at an Ancaster residence, rural Burlington property, and a motor vehicle, leading to the seizure of a substantial quantity of drugs, firearms, and cash. Among the seized items were 2,561 pills believed to be Oxycodone. Due to concerns the pills were counterfeit, samples were sent to Health Canada for rush analysis. On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the results confirmed the pills contained Protonitazene, a dangerous non-fentanyl synthetic opioid.
Nitazenes, like Protonitazene, are novel opioids known for their potency, which can exceed that of fentanyl. These counterfeit pills are designed to look like Oxycodone, a much less potent opioid, increasing the risk of accidental overdoses.
“The rise in counterfeit pills containing Nitazenes is alarming,” said Detective Sergeant Steve Bereziuk. “These substances present a serious danger to the community, as users may unknowingly consume drugs far more potent than they realize.”
This seizure is part of an increasing trend in the amount of counterfeit pills encountered by the Hamilton Police Major Drugs and Gangs Unit:
- June 2023: 1,500 counterfeit Oxycodone pills analyzed as Metonitazene
- February 2024: 280 counterfeit Oxycodone pills analyzed as Protonitazene
- March 2024: 2,003 counterfeit Oxycodone pills analyzed as Metonitazene
- August 2024: 2,561 counterfeit Oxycodone pills analyzed as Protonitazene
Hamilton Police continue to focus on reducing the presence of these counterfeit opioids in the community, as part of their ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and the associated violence.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Steve Bereziuk of the Major Drugs and Gangs Unit at 905-546-3887.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.