Stolen fentanyl recovered in Kugluktuk, Nunavut

The RCMP saysfentanylthat was stolenin Kugluktuk, Nunavut has been recovered and a person is facing trafficking charges.

On Thursday, Nunavut'shealth department warned residents that the drug "is present" in the community. A spokesperson later confirmed to CBC that the advisory was issued after four vials were stolen from the local health centre during a break-in.

• 4 vials of fentanyl stolen from Kugluktuk health centre

Friday evening, Nunavut RCMP issued a press release that said police officers received a report of a theftWednesday morning, "which included a small quantity of prescription packaged fentanyl."

The drug does have legitimate medical uses as a pain reliever, under the supervision of a doctor.

"With the assistance of the community, within 24 hours Kugluktuk RCMP located the suspect in relation to the theft and seized the stolen items including the fentanyl," the release read.

The release goes on to say that although the investigation is still ongoing,one person is in custody as a result of the theft. That person is facing charges of possession and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

RCMPwarned the public of the dangers of fentanyl in the release. Thedrug is estimated to be 100 times more powerful than morphine and has been tied to hundreds of overdose deaths across Canada.