Home / Health / Potent New Drug Found in NWT Drug Seizure
Potent New Drug Found in NWT Drug Seizure
4 Sep
Summary
- Highly potent drug ethylflualprazolam detected in Yellowknife.
- Naloxone ineffective against ethylflualprazolam's effects.
- Unknown health effects and duration of this new drug.
A new and highly potent drug, identified as ethylflualprazolam, has been detected in a drug seizure by the Yellowknife RCMP in July. This substance is a benzodiazepine related to alprazolam (Xanax) and was found as a "whitish, grainy powder." It was first identified in Canada in December 2025.
The health effects, strength, and duration of ethylflualprazolam are not fully understood due to it being a new substance. It can cause extreme drowsiness, prolonged sedation, loss of coordination, and memory loss. Importantly, the overdose-reversing drug naloxone is ineffective against its effects.
Ethylflualprazolam is frequently sold as counterfeit Xanax and may be mixed with other dangerous drugs like cocaine and fentanyl. Health officials warn that there are no visible cues to indicate a drug contains other substances, and these cannot be detected by taste or smell. Mixing benzodiazepines with opioids can intensify effects and reduce naloxone's effectiveness.
Signs of benzodiazepine intoxication include excessive drowsiness, loss of balance, poor coordination, and memory loss. High doses combined with other drugs increase overdose risks, potentially leading to severe breathing problems, unconsciousness, or death. The N.W.T. has reported no fatal overdoses this year so far, despite toxic drug presence. Anyone suspecting an overdose should call 911.
