North Bay police have charged three North Bay residents in connection with separate fentanyl deaths in the city.
The first person to die of a drug overdose was a 24-year-old North Bay man who died last June.
Police continued to investigate his death and have now charged a 25-year-old with trafficking in fentanyl and also trafficking in Alprazolam, which is a drug used to treat anxiety disorders.
Police also looked into a fentanyl-related case last August where a 34-year-old North Bay woman died.
In this instance, police charged a 41-year-old woman and a 33-year-old woman each with trafficking in fentanyl.
Police say fentanyl is 100 times more powerful than morphine.
They add as much as two milligrams, which is the equivalent of four grains of salt, is enough to kill a first-time user.
Fentanyl is easily mixed with other drugs and is difficult to detect.
Not only can the drug be absorbed through the skin, but it’s also possible to inhale it if it becomes airborne putting users, emergency responders and people who just happen to be nearby at risk.
Overdosing on fentanyl can quickly lead to respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
Deputy Police Chief Scott Tod says the department will keep investigating all cases related to fentanyl to make sure people in the community remain safe.