Northwestern Ontario has seen four drug alerts issued in less than a week as health officials warn of a sharp increase in overdoses across the region.
The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) issued alerts for suspected fentanyl sold as “down,” the powerful synthetic opioid clodesnitazene mixed with several other drugs, and an unknown substance sold as cocaine and hydromorphone in the Red Lake area.
Kenora has been hit the hardest, with more than 60 suspected drug poisonings reported over two days. The NWHU says overdose activity has also increased in Atikokan and Ignace.
In Thunder Bay, NorWest Community Health Centres issued its own alert after an OxyContin pill tested positive for etonitazene — a synthetic opioid estimated to be about 50 times more potent than fentanyl.
Health officials are urging people to carry naloxone, use drug-checking services, and avoid using drugs alone. Free naloxone kits and drug test strips are available through local health agencies and pharmacies.
