Beauford Place drugs test positive for fentanyl, heroin

Lab tests have proved that drugs seized from a home in the east end of St. John's over the weekendinclude fentanyl, which has been linked to at least 17 recent overdoses in the metro area.

In a news release Wednesday, police said samples taken from a home on Beauford Place tested positive for cocaine and heroin as well as fentanyl.

• Two arrested, cocaine seized in Beauford Place bust

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-NL) arrested two men following anApril 28 traffic stopand searched the home the following day.

Officers seized a quantity of drugs and other items often used in the trafficking of illicit drugs, the unit said.

Fentanyl was mixed in with the heroin, according to CFSEU-NL team leader Sgt. Steve Knight.

Drug trafficking charges have been laid against Justin Hopkins, 33, and James Lucas, 40.

Police have warned that fentanyl could be fatal. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, RCMP and Eastern Health have acknowledged 17 overdoses involving the drug, and two deaths.

It's believed that users may not know they are taking fentanyl.