9 March 2017Crime Stoppers offering $2,000 rewards for tips leading to seizure of fentanyl_ (Via Ottawa Police) _ (Ottawa)-In partnership with the National Capital Area Crime Stoppers, the Ottawa Police Service is pleased to announce an increase in cash rewards for tips leading to the seizure of illegal fentanyl or its derivatives, or to the arrest of fentanyl traffickers. From now until May 31, qualified fentanyl tips will be eligible to receive $2,000 in cash. “Similar Crime Stoppers rewards incentives have been offered in other communities and have been very successful,” stated Richard McMullen, President of the National Capital Area Crime Stoppers. The presence of fentanyl is a real concern for first responders and members of the public. Many people are not aware of the dangers fentanyl poses and the risk they are taking when they use non-prescription drugs. In some cases, it is lethal. “We need to do everything we can to prevent more overdose cases here in our community,” said Deputy Chief Steve Bell. “The increase in the use of counterfeit opioids and the alarming presence of fentanyl in these pills is what is prompting us to make this announcement today.” We continue to collaborate with our partners including Ottawa Paramedics Services, Ottawa Fire Service and Ottawa Public Health. Although we are not the primary agency responsible for this issue, we play a key role in dealing with it in terms of public safety. The Ottawa Police Service is reminding people to not take any pills that are not prescribed to them by a doctor or pharmacist. Anyone with information regarding counterfeit pills, or any other criminal activity, is asked to submit an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), texting CRIMES (274637), keyword “tip252”. You can also download the Ottawa Police Service app for iOS or Android.