Pubdate: Sat, 18 Feb 2017
Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2017 The Lethbridge Herald
Contact:  http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239
Author: Melissa Villeneuve
Page: A1

BLOOD TRIBE POLICE DEALING WITH FENTANYL ABUSE DAILY

POLICE WELCOMES TRAINING FOR OFFICERS TO ADMINISTER NALOXONE

When it comes to fighting the illegal drug trade, fentanyl knows no
borders.

Overdose deaths attributed to the illicit opioid are skyrocketing each
year in cities, towns and on reserves in Alberta.

The Blood Tribe Police have not been immune to the effects on the
community it serves to protect. They welcome the Alberta Government's
announcement last week that police officers are among those who will
be trained to administer lifesaving Naloxone, which temporarily
reverses the effect of fentanyl.

"Having more first responders trained in naloxone will save lives and
also hopefully reduce the risk of exposure to this drug to first
responders," said BTPS Deputy Chief Kyle Melting Tallow, in a news
release.

Naloxone is also being made an unscheduled drug, meaning anyone can
get a kit without a prescription. This will help community agencies
get the kits in the hands of those that need them to save more lives.

The Blood Tribe Police Service frequently deals with fentanyl, whether
catching traffickers, dealing with crime associated with the illegal
drug trade, or trying to save someone's life.

"Almost daily our officers are coming into contact with fentanyl in
one way or another," said BTPS Inspector Joe Brown. "Weekly our
officers are responding to overdoses related to fentanyl."

During November 2016, the BTPS responded to seven overdoses related to
opioids (fentanyl). Four of those overdoses occurred in one day (Nov.
28). Of those overdoses, all of the people survived after receiving
medical intervention, said Brown.

"As for the number of lives that have been lost, any loss of life is
tragic," said Brown. "More so with fentanyl as it could be prevented
by not using illegal drugs."

In March 2015, Blood Tribe Chief and Council declared a local state of
emergency in response to a growing community concern of prescription
drug abuse and a number of deaths attributed to fentanyl, or Oxy 80.
Currently, the BTPS and the Blood Tribe Chief and Council are working
closely together on addressing the issue of non-band members who are
involved in the drug trade coming onto the reserve. They've issued
several Band Council Resolutions banning non-band members who have
been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act from the
reserve.

Last July, a 19-year-old Edmonton man, Dakota Aaron Laderoute, was
arrested in Standoff and charged with possession for purpose of
trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone and diazepam.

BTPS also made a large drug seizure, 80.5 suspected Oxy 80s, and Jimmi
Karnell Calling Bull, of Edmonton, was charged with possession for the
purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

On Jan. 18, BTPS arrested 22-year-old Dillon Andre Mckenzie, from
Toronto, who was unlawfully inside a residence owned by Blood Tribe
Housing. He was charged with possession for purpose of trafficking
cocaine and methamphetamine and possession of proceeds of crime.

And on Feb. 4, Terrance Mario Good Dagger was charged with possession
for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and
firearms offences.

BTPS is once again forming a Crime Reduction Unit, to combat illegal
drugs on the reserve, said Brown. A CRU was first formed in Jan. 2015,
with two community officers dedicated to drug trafficking
investigations.

"BTPS resources are taxed and by having more officers and funding
available would help address these issues," said Brown. "Not only does
fentanyl cause BTPS problems, but the spin-offs associated with crimes
surrounding fentanyl users, for example thefts, break and enters have
increased."

In November 2016, the BTPS dealt with 25 calls for service related to
drug activity, and several people are currently facing charges. The
BTPS would like to remind the public about the dangers of opioid use
as they are addictive and can cause death.

Anyone with information about these matters is asked to contact the
BTPS at 403-737 -3800 or email  tribe police.com. Crime
Stoppers is always anonymous and can be reached at 1-800-222-8477
(TIPS) or www.tipsubmit.com.
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MAP posted-by: Matt