Carfentanil linked for 1st time to drug overdose death, B.C. police say

The highly toxic opioid carfentanil has been detected for the first time in a drug overdose death in B.C., according to the provincial coroner.

Vancouverpolice said they were called to an East Vancouver home nearNanaimoandDundas streets on Nov. 17by an individual who was concerned for a colleague.He had failed to show up for work or respond to phone calls, which was out of character, police said.

With the help of the building manager, police were able to get into the man'ssuite and found the 39-year-olddead inside.

They foundan unknown drugand drug paraphernalia inside the apartmentandsent themto a Health Canadalaboratory for testing, which confirmed the presence ofcarfentanil a deadlyopioid 100 times more toxic thanfentanyl.

Earlier this month, carfentanil was found for the first time in a drug seizureon the Downtown Eastside.

Vancouver policeStaff Sgt.RandyFincham said this is the first confirmed death linked tocarfentanilin Vancouver.

"Unfortunately, we suspect this death won't be the last."

However, the coroner said it's still not certain how the man died.

"Testing cannot currently confirm whethercarfentanilwas the cause of death for this individual," the coroner said in a statement.

Carfentanilis used to tranquillize elephantsand other large animals.It can be fatal to humans in an amount of 20 micrograms, which is less than a grain of salt.
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