The Ministry of Health is investigating the disappearance of 300 vials of fentanyl following a delivery discrepancy at a public health facility.
The missing medication consists of Fentanyl Injection 0.05mg/ml/2ml ampoules that were reported unaccounted for after a routine delivery. The Ministry was alerted to the discrepancy on August 6 and immediately launched an investigation.
Investigative measures included, site inspections at both dispatch and delivery locations, verification of delivery records and stock documentation, examination of package markings, and requests for detailed reports and video footage from relevant facilities.
Health officials are treating the matter with “utmost seriousness” given fentanyl’s dangerous nature as a potent synthetic opioid that can cause severe respiratory distress and death even in small quantities, if misused or improperly handled.
The Ministry emphasized that fentanyl is a controlled narcotic used only under strict medical supervision in hospital settings. Possession, use, or distribution without proper authorization is both illegal and dangerous.
Officials are urging any member of the public who encounters or is offered fentanyl to immediately contact the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. The Health Ministry is working closely with the TTPS and Ministry of Homeland Security to determine the circumstances surrounding the missing medication and implement preventive measures. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities promising to provide public updates as new information becomes available.