Blood Tribe police target organized crime after fake Oxycodone pills surface

FakeOxycodonepills have led to as many as 10 deaths onthe Blood reserve in southern Alberta, say police.

It's believed organized crime groups are pushing the illegal drug in the area.

Police believe the homemade pillscontain fentanyl a powerful pain reliever they say comes with a high risk of overdose and death.

Staff-Sgt.Joseph Many Fingers says it's a dangerous mix.

"They have a tolerance for theOxycodonethat they're taking, so they're not used to the fentanyl. It's a lot stronger and they are overdosing on it," he said.

Pamela Little Bear has been organizing rallies in the area all week.She says the community is fed up.

"We seem like we're burying our loved ones," she said.

A medical examiner still hasn't confirmed if the drug is responsible for the deaths, but policehave assigned two officers to target drug dealers on the reserve.