Warning: Potent Opioid Found in Street "Percocet"

Winnipeg health officials have issued a critical drug harm alert regarding counterfeit pills circulating on the street. These pills, deceptively marketed as Percocet, have been found to contain metonitazene, a powerful synthetic opioid. Health Canada confirmed the presence of metonitazene, a substance significantly more potent than fentanyl. This detection is the first of its kind for Street Connections, a local harm reduction service.

The white, round tablets bear a 'TEC' imprint, often associated with legitimate generic medications. However, their contents pose a severe overdose risk. Metonitazene belongs to the nitazene class of synthetic opioids, some of which are up to 43 times stronger than fentanyl and have been linked to hundreds of deaths nationwide in recent years.

Authorities strongly advise individuals who use drugs to never use alone and to always carry naloxone, a crucial overdose reversal medication. While naloxone can be effective against nitazenes, its efficacy may be reduced due to the extreme potency of these substances, potentially requiring multiple doses. Drug checking services are available in Winnipeg for public safety.