Hamilton police say the discovery of a liquid form of fentanyl during a drug bust is a "game changer" for field officers handling the powerful opioid, which can be easily absorbed through the skin.
Det. Const. Adam Brown says the drug was found in vials during a raid in May, but officers believed it was GHB — also known as a date-rape drug.
A sample of the seized drug was sent to Health Canada for testing, and the result showed it was liquid fentanyl.
After consultations with Health Canada and the RCMP, Hamilton police say they believe it is the first time liquid fentanyl is seized in Canada.
Brown says the force is currently revamping its protocols for how front-line officers handle drugs they come across.
He says officers will now wear eye protection and long sleeves when dealing with street drugs in addition to the usual practice of wearing nitrile gloves.
Liquid fentanyl is believed to be more powerful than the powder drug, which is already dangerous because police say even a dose of just two milligrams can be deadly.
