Detectives in the Muskoka Crime Unit of the Bracebridge OPP are investigating the disappearance of a package containing a potentially fatal narcotic.

The narcotic, Hydromorphone, did not reach its destination of South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) in Bracebridge.

Administration at SMMH notified police that they did not receive the shipment of Hydromorphone earlier this month that was supposed to have been delivered by a delivery company.

The single package contains four individual boxes containing a 50-millilitre bottle of Hydromorphone HP50. This narcotic is utilized for treatment to relieve severe pain including use for terminally ill patients. The product is approximately five times more potent than morphine and a single dose that is not medically administered could be fatal.

Overdose symptoms include respiratory depression, sleepiness progressing to a coma, muscle flaccidity, cold, clammy skin, constricted pupils and slowing of the heart and hypotension. In the event of a serious overdose, particularly after an intravenous injection, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death may occur.

The packaging of Hydromorphone is distinctive. The box is orange and white in colour and is clearly labeled. The vial is dark coloured with a grey, plastic lid and again, orange and white labeling. The product and quantity is clearly marked on the label and box.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Bracebridge OPP at 645-2211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).