Police have arrested multiple suspects in connection with trafficking the powerful painkiller fentanyl around the Steinbach area.

RCMP said they’ve detected a rise in fentanyl-related incidents in and around the city over the past two years. Overdoses and deaths have been reported.

As part of an ongoing investigation, RCMP pulled over a vehicle with a suspect inside it around 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 1. The suspect ran, but police apprehended him after a foot pursuit.

Officers arrested Kyle Barker, 19, of Steinbach and found a quantity of fentanyl and MDMA, said RCMP. MDMA is also known as the drug ecstasy.

Officers charged him with possession for the purpose of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, breach of recognizance and breach of probation.

Hours later around 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, multiple RCMP units carried out a search warrant at a property rented by Dean Barker, Kyle’s father, and Tanya Bell in the RM of Hanover.

Police said they seized a sawed-off semi-automatic rifle, a blow gun, a push dagger and fentanyl.

RCMP charged Barker, 46, and his spouse Bell, 39, with possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl and prohibited weapons offences.

While at the property, police also intercepted a vehicle and seized more fentanyl.

Kris Fast, 31, of Steinbach faces a charge for possession of fentanyl, said RCMP.

Steinbach resident Kevin Johnson said he’s seen the impact of fentanyl on a friend, who is now in rehab.

“On a day-to-day basis, every time I'd see him, he'd look different or he'd act different. He'd change over time...people kind of act shadier,” said Johnson.

Steinbach residents who spoke to CTV News Tuesday said they’re worried about fentanyl.

“It's something to be concerned about - with especially with children. I've got children of my own and I wouldn't want them to get involved with that kind of stuff,” said John Choiselat.

The drug comes in a patch form, normally used as a painkiller for cancer patients.

Drug dealers who get their hands on it harvest the fentanyl from the patch and turn it into a powder or a pill, so it can be injected, snorted or swallowed.

The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba said that transforms the drug into a potentially lethal form.

“The thing with fentanyl it's intended to be a slow release. It's a very strong medication but the patch is a slow release and when it's tampered with that release is sped up that causes the danger," said Yvonne Block, CEO of AFM.

Police said it’s not uncommon for first-time users to overdose on the drug.

“Police believe that these arrests will significantly minimize the availability of fentanyl thereby reduce overdoses and threat to the community,” said Steinbach RCMP in a statement Tuesday.