Delta police are warning drug users to “know your source” after substances seized earlier this year in a Burnaby bust tested positive for a powerful drug known as W-18.
“The street level use of drugs like W-18 is still in its infancy in Canada and it appears users are completely unaware of its presence in the drugs they are consuming,” said Chief Neil Dubord. “It is very apparent to us that drug traffickers are aware of the deadly game they are playing with human lives in the manufacture and sale of these counterfeit drugs.”
In March, an investigation into South Delta drug trafficking led officers to execute search warrants at three separate locations in Burnaby, Surrey and Richmond, and the bust of a large drug lab in Burnaby.
Investigators initially believed the suspects had been processing fentanyl, however, several samples have now tested positive for W-18, which is considered to be 100 times more toxic and powerful than fentanyl.
A synthetic opioid, W-18 was originally developed in the 1980s as a pain reliever, but it was never marketed commercially.
“In the seizures done by our investigators, the accused were carefully protecting themselves with respirators, gloves and goggles during the process and yet went on to knowingly sell this product to unsuspecting users,” Dubord said. “The motivation of these individuals to make money clearly supersedes their social responsibility in this equation.”
Just last week, the federal government announced it had added W-18 to Schedule 1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, making production, possession, importation, exportation or trafficking of the drug illegal.
While Delta police advise residents against using illicit drugs, the department has some reminders for those who do:
- Fentanyl and W-18 cannot be detected by looks, smell or taste and are being misrepresented and sold by drug dealers as other drugs;
- Do not use alone and start with a small amount;
- Do not mix with other substances as it can increase the risk of overdose;
- Use where help is easily accessible; and
- Do not be afraid to call 911 for assistance.
To date, five people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Adam Summers, 27, of Delta and Scott Pipping, 35, of Surrey are facing more than 20 charges and remain in police custody. There are charges pending against the three other individuals.
