A day after two drug raids resulted in the seizure of hundreds of rounds of ammunition, two handguns, and drugs that included over 100 tablets of the powerful pain medication fentanyl as well as a small amount of cocaine Wood Buffalo police engaged in another drug bust which seized around 200 fentanyl pills plus about $2,000 in cash. Is Wood Buffalo going through an opioid abuse epidemic? From recent events it is clear that there is a drug problem in the community. According to a news release by the Wood Buffalo RCMP the drug raid took place at a residence on Honeysuckle Way, and two individuals were arrested after the residence was searched. In addition to the cash and the fentanyl pills police also seized a 9mm pistol and also 10 grams of cocaine.

After the Timberlea drug bust and the seizure of 200 fentanyl pills operations officer Mark Hancock released a statement that read “Wood Buffalo RCMP and its’ partners are committed to ongoing efforts to reduce the drug trade in this community and making it a priority to deal with offender.” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. George Cameron said “It seems to be the topic of the day. Years ago, for instance, you’d hear about hash oil and hash….but now we’re hearing (Fentanyl) more.” Fentanyl is an opioid drug that is more powerful than morphine, and more dangerous when abused or misused. Health agencies and police across Canada have raised the alarm about the increase in fentanyl on the street and the dangers that this drug poses.