Return of carfentanil to Hay River drives home dangers of illegal drugs

The detection of carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues in drugs tested in Hay River has prompted the Chief Public Health Officer to issue an updated public health advisory about the dangers associated with illicit drugs in the Northwest Territories.

Carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues have continued to be detected in drugs in Hay River over the past year, stated a release.

Previously, they were found in a specific colour of cocaine.

Recent testing shows they are now being detected in all forms of cocaine, including powdered and rock forms.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

“The presence of carfentanil in illicit drugs is cause for concern, as the relative strength of this drug could lead to an increase in overdoses and overdose-related deaths,” stated Dr. Kami Kandola’s release.

There are no visible warning signs that street drugs contain opioids. You cannot detect them by sight, smell, or taste.

Because carfentanil is extremely potent, even a small amount can cause an overdose. People using cocaine may be exposed to opioids without knowing it.

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or your local health centre immediately.

Signs and symptoms of opioid overdose can include the following:

• Breathing will be slow or absent.
• Lips and nails are blue.
• Person is not moving
• Person is choking.
• Gurgling sounds or snoring.
• Severe sleepiness.
• Person can’t be woken up.
• Skin feels cold and clammy.

While naloxone, an opioid reversing agent, will not stop effects of a benzodiazepine overdose, it should still be used as it may reverse the effects when opioids are also consumed.

Multiple doses of naloxone may be required if the drug contains carfentanil.

Naloxone kits are available at all hospitals, health centres, pharmacies and health boxes in the NWT.

Carfentanil has been detected multiple times in the NWT, primarily in Hay River, with public health warnings issued by the Chief Public Health Officer starting in July 2020 and recurring in subsequent years.

This latest advisory updates the advisory issued on June 5, 2024, referring to “Brown Crack” and expands the concern to all cocaine products, regardless of colour or form (powdered or rock).

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people involved in an overdose from being charged for possession of a controlled substance.

This law encourages anyone to call for help if they witness or experience an overdose.