Membertou First Nation Chief Terry Paul says he wants to be clear, “there is no evidence presented to date that supports claims of fentanyl-laced cannabis being sold within Membertou or Mi’kmaq communities.”
The chief was responding to comments made publicly by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston in which he told the media that cannabis products seized from illegal stores in the province had tested positive for fentanyl. The premier’s claim was contradicted shortly after by the Nova Scotia RCMP.
Although the premier said at the time “people in law enforcement” told him they took cannabis from illegal dispensaries and tested it to find fentanyl in it, he later issued a statement that said the information he spoke about was “based on personal conversations” and that he received it “from a front-line police officer.”
On Friday, Paul and Membertou band council issued a statement based on what they said was concern within their community because of the premier’s original assertion.
“Community safety is important to us. We have consistently emphasized responsible practices, harm reduction and the protection of our people. The broad or unsubstantiated claims we’ve heard from the province risk creating fear, and do not contribute to informed public dialogue,” the First Nation’s statement said in part.
Read the full article at Cape Breton Post
