On Monday, the Northern Health Region put out a drug and overdose alert for The Pas.

A street drug sample from town tested positive for medetomidine, xylazine, and fentanyl.  It was tested on May 9th by Health Canada’s Drug Analysis Service.  The sample collected was a purple powder.

Medetomidine and xylazine are both veterinary tranquillizer approved only for use on animals.

This is the first time Medetomidine has been detected in street drugs in Manitoba.

Xylazine can cause drowsiness and sedation,  and may cause the person to lose consciousness.  Naloxone does not work on either of these drugs.

Fentanyl is a well-known toxic opioid that can result in overdose causing respiratory depression, unconsciousness and death.

If you use drugs, keep an eye out for this purple powder and consider the following tips from Street Connections:

Get naloxone and overdose training before using and do not use drugs alone or behind a locked door.  Also, stagger use with friends so someone can call 911 if needed.

For more tips go to street connections DOT ca.