New Opioid and Sedative Detected in Northwest Territories Wastewater

Health officials issue warning for Isotonitazene and Xylazine

Two potentially dangerous substances, Isotonitazene and Xylazine, have been identified in Yellowknife’s wastewater, prompting a public health advisory. These drugs represent a new challenge as they evade standard fentanyl testing strips and are undetectable by appearance.

Emerging Health Threats

The territory’s Chief Public Health Officer, Kami Kandola, announced the findings from samples collected in May. Isotonitazene, an opioid, is believed to be more potent than fentanyl, while Xylazine, a veterinary sedative, is often mixed with illicit opioids and can worsen overdose effects.

Synthetic opioids similar to fentanyl were also found at detectable levels, marking the second such occurrence in the past year. The health department stressed that these substances cannot be identified through sight, smell, or taste.

Testing Limitations and Overdose Reversal

Crucially, standard fentanyl test strips do not detect either Isotonitazene or Xylazine. Despite these limitations, health officials confirm that Naloxone, commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses, remains effective against Isotonitazene. However, Xylazine’s presence complicates overdose management.

The reporting delay of at least six weeks is attributed to the time required for sample processing.

Broader Northern Context

These developments occur amidst ongoing drug-related concerns across the North. In Canada, RCMP recently seized drugs and a handgun following a traffic stop on a winter road in the Sahtu region. Finland’s Arctic police have faced slower response times, necessitating new technology. In Alaska, a shortage of village police has led to the hiring of officers with criminal records.

The rise of novel psychoactive substances, like those detected in Yellowknife, is a growing concern globally. For instance, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reported that Xylazine was present in over 23,000 overdose deaths in 2022, indicating its increasing prevalence in the illicit drug supply (DEA, 2023).