Coroner’s Agencies, Physicians, and Emergency Services all report that Fentanyl is blamed for the massive spike in overdose deaths and the current drug crisis we are experiencing throughout British Columbia and across Canada. Typically, first-time, and recreational drug users would not have been expected to have died, but Fentanyl is not simply a “street” drug. Most of BC’s overdose deaths have occurred in homes, not on the street. Fentanyl has been detected in most of them. As a result, “Odd Squad Productions – Understanding Fentanyl” has been developed as an educational and prevention tool and a vital component in the battle against fentanyl use.

The Odd Squad is a group of Vancouver police officers who worked on the drug­ infested streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for many years and through video, have shared the stories and teachings of many individuals who lived there as a way to promote substance awareness and the danger of misuse.

This resource aims to educate our children/young adults in the hope that they will make healthier life choices, build capacity, and demonstrate an understanding of the inherent danger that Fentanyl is posing in our communities.

While adolescence may be a time to develop independence that can include an element of risk-taking and pushing boundaries, our young people need to understand that there is no “personal choice” when it comes to using Fentanyl. Instead, that choice is taken away and left to the drug dealers and manufacturers.

Individuals who experiment with drugs have no choice when it comes to the mix of chemicals they are going to ingest.