Welland couple accused of importing fentanyl products from China

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A Welland couple is accused of importing illegal fentanyl from China. Fentanyl is an opioid-based pain killer roughly 100 times stronger than morphine. Police say overdoses connected to the powerful drug are not only a Niagara problem – but a North American one.

Thirty-one year-old Mary Northen and 40-year-old Krisztian Toro are facing a slew of drug related charges in connection with a seizure of 58 grams of fentanyl powder worth $20 000.

Niagara Regional Police worked with the Canadian Border Services agency in the month long investigation.

Authorities say the powder was imported fromCchina and is know furanyl-fentanyl, which police say while it not as strong as fentanyl, but it is still highly addictive and dangerous.

“The risk of overdose is very real and people don’t understand what they are receiving.” said Phil Gavin from Niagara Regional Police.

Investigators say the drugs are bought a low prices overseas and can be sold for as much as $400 a gram here in Canada.

Police say fentanyl abuse is not specific to the Niagara area.

“Fentanyl abuse comes in two forms in the street. It is the misuse of prescription medication and we are also identifying a growing trend of bootleg fentanyl.” said Gavin.

There have been over 500 fentanyl related deaths in ontario since 2010.

Tomorrow hundreds of police officers and border security officers will take part in a training session in Toronto about the deadly trend in fentanyl abuse.