Yukon coroner issues warning after fentanyl-related death

Yukoncoroner Kirsten Macdonaldhas issued a warning to the public, saying a recent death in the territory has been linked to the drug fentanyl.

Illegal useof theprescription narcotic have beenlinked to hundreds of deaths in Canada in recent years, but this is the first time Yukon's coroner has confirmed aYukon fatality related to the drug.

In a statement, Macdonald said the investigation into the death is ongoing, so no other details will be provided.

She said the synthetic opioidis "100 times more potent than morphine," and is often added to street drugs or misrepresented as another substance.

In B.C., there have been more than 200 overdose deaths related to fentanyl use so far this year, prompting that province to declare a public health emergency.