SASKATOON — The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health has issued a drug and overdose alert for Saskatoon and surrounding areas after a recent drug sample was found to contain multiple high-risk substances.
According to Prairie Harm Reduction, the tested sample was sold as fentanyl but actually contained a mix of para-fluorfentanyl, xylazine and benzodiazepines. The purple chunk-like substance also contained erythritol and caffeine as cutting agents.
The mixture poses a high risk of overdose and serious harm, officials warned. While naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids such as para-fluorfentanyl, it has no effect on xylazine or benzodiazepines, both of which can cause sedation and suppress breathing, SHA warned.
The alert applies to Saskatoon and several nearby jurisdictions, including the RMs of Aberdeen, Blucher, Corman Park, Dundurn and Vanscoy, as well as the cities of Martensville and Warman.
Drug users are urged to avoid using alone and consider calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) for supervised consumption support.
Free take-home naloxone kits are available through HealthLine 811, and drug checking services can be found at .
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects those who seek help during an overdose.
This alert remains in effect until July 9 at 11:59 p.m.
