New Potent Opioid and Sedative Detected in Yellowknife Wastewater
Yellowknife, N.W.T. – The Northwest Territories’ top health official has announced the detection of two possibly harmful new substances in Yellowknife’s wastewater: Isotonitazene, a powerful opioid, and Xylazine, a veterinary sedative. These findings, identified in May, mark the first time these drugs have been found in the territory’s wastewater. The delay in reporting is attributed to the six-week processing time for wastewater samples, according to the Health and Social Services department. This development raises significant public health concerns, particularly given the potency of Isotonitazene and the known risks associated with Xylazine when mixed with opioids.
Isotonitazene is considered to be significantly more potent than fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has caused widespread public health crises. Xylazine, often referred to as “tranq,” is a non-opioid tranquilizer used in veterinary practice. Its presence in the illicit drug supply,frequently mixed with fentanyl,can complicate overdose responses and increase health risks.
The wastewater sampling also revealed detectable levels of synthetic opioids similar to fentanyl. This is the second instance in the past year where such substances have been found at significant levels, underscoring a persistent challenge in the region’s drug supply.
Crucially, neither Isotonitazene nor Xylazine can be identified using standard fentanyl test strips.Health officials emphasize that both substances can cause severe adverse effects in humans due to their potency. While Naloxone remains effective in reversing the effects of an Isotonitazene overdose, the presence