Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is spreading awareness about the importance of Naloxone after two new, and very dangerous drugs were discovered in the province recently.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary put out a warning yesterday after Health Canada confirmed the presence of carfentanil and methylfentanyl following a recent seizure on the northeast Avalon.

Carfentanil is said to be 100 times more toxic than fentanyl, and methylfentanyl is estimated to be between 400 and 600 times stronger than morphine.

Jane Henderson, a Harm Reduction Consultant with the NL Centre on Substance Use says if someone is going to use drugs to never use alone, to start with small doses, to never mix substances, and to have naloxone and to know how to use it.

She says naloxone kits are free and confidential, and people can get one by calling 811 – which will direct them to the nearest distribution site.

Hendersen says if a person thinks someone is having an overdose to administer naloxone – if they aren’t overdosing it will not harm them.

She stresses the importance of calling 911 – even if the substance is given.

She says it bridges the gap between the overdose happening and emergency services arriving. People can start overdosing again is help isn’t called.