(Photo: Region of Peel)

BY KELLY ROCHE
A box of fentanyl patches is missing from a government-run nursing home in Mississauga and police are warning the public to be on high alert.
“At best, you could get very sick. At worst, you could die,” said Peel Regional Police Const. Lilly Fitzpatrick.
A pharmaceutical delivery to Malton Village, at 7075 Rexwood Rd., was made at 4 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Included in the delivery was a quantity of Teva-Fentanyl patches — one package containing five separate patches is unaccounted for.
The Region of Peel runs the 160-bed long-term care facility, just west of Hwy. 427 at Rexdale Blvd.
The medical cost of the chronic pain-relieving patches is $40 — but they’re worth at least $200 each on the street.
Police are reminding the public to immediately report any unidentified substances and avoid touching the patches.
Fentanyl-related deaths have spiked nationwide over the past year, however, statistics are hard to come by.
Overdose can result in difficulty breathing, leading to respiratory and cardiac arrest.
Powerful and highly addictive, the opiod patch is permeable and will be immediately absorbed upon contact with skin.
“They are extremely dangerous if used in any way other than as prescribed,” said Fitzpatrick, adding the patches may also react negatively with other medications.
The seniors’ facility does not have cameras; police are investigating.
Anyone with information can call (905) 453-2121 ext. 2133 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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