A Timmins Task Force is tackling a deadly painkiller circulating the streets

Fentanyl painkiller patches are roughly 100 times more potent than morphine and 20 times more potent than heroin

NDP MP Charlie Angus, health care and addiction experts and police are working together

If prescribed a Fentanyl patch – Angus says that person should then have to bring it back before getting another prescribed patch

The task force has already met on three occasion with the group growing larger each time.  Angus says the time is now to raise public awareness and stop another tragedy from happening in Timmins and North America.

OPP officer Gillian Coughlin is also reminding pharmacists to keep their prescription pads in a secure location and to lock up prescription fentanyl.  Coughlin also added, fentanyl related deaths have doubled between 2008 and 2011.