Fake Percocet pills containing fentanyl seized in Stephenville area

Police in the Stephenville area have seized fake Percocetpills containing fentanyl.

The pills are round and white, with TECstamped in the front. Police said they are very similar to authentic medically-prescribed Percocet tablets.

The RCMP would not say exactly where or how the pills were found, or how many there are, saying the matter is still under investigation.

No charges have been laid.

• Former addict says fentanyl 'the thing that everyone wants to try'

Bay St. George RCMPissued a warning Thursday about the dangers of fentanyl, whichis suspected in two opioid overdose deaths on the northeast Avalon over the last month and a half.

Fentanylis prescribed medically for pain but has caused thousands of overdoses across Canada since making its way to the streets.

"It has legitimate clinical uses for treating chronic pain, but is extremely dangerous when consumed illicitly," said an RCMP news release.

• Fentanyl in Newfoundland: Timeline of a powerful killer drug

"Perhaps even more dangerous is the fact that fentanyl can be added to other drugs without the user's knowledge."

Symptoms of an early overdose of fentanyl can include:

• Severe sleepiness
• Slow heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Slow, shallow breathing or snoring
• Cold, clammy skin
• Trouble walking or talking