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Deadly Opioid Detected in Northern Cocaine
6 Aug
Summary
- Carfentanil, a potent opioid, is present in N.W.T. cocaine supplies.
- The opioid is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
- Drug users are warned about unknown opioid presence in cocaine.
Health officials in the Northwest Territories have escalated warnings concerning the illicit drug supply, specifically the presence of carfentanil in cocaine. This synthetic opioid is notably potent, being approximately 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 10,000 times more powerful than morphine. Its extreme potency significantly heightens the risk of accidental overdoses for drug users in the territory.
Over the past year, tests in Hay River confirmed carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues within cocaine. While previously detected only in a specific type of crack cocaine, these substances have now been identified in all forms of cocaine available in the community. This development prompted health officials to reissue a public health advisory.
Authorities stress that carfentanil and similar opioids are undetectable by sight, smell, or taste, meaning individuals using cocaine might unknowingly be exposed. The advisory advises drug users to always keep naloxone readily available, administer it in multiple doses if necessary, start with small drug amounts, and never use substances alone. The N.W.T.'s Good Samaritan law provides protection from possession charges for those who call emergency responders during an overdose.
