Drug Alert
Medetomidine, Carfentanil and Fentanyl
May 26, 2026
A pink, chunky powder believed to be fentanyl was tested by Street Connections.
There was a confirmed non-fatal overdose from using this substance.
The sample showed substances of concern including Medetomidine (1.17%), para-Fluorofentanyl (1.01%), Caffeine (15.1%), Carfentanil and Fentanyl.
Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer approved only for use on animals. It is stronger than xylazine. This drug is strong and the person may not wake up for a long time. This substance lowers a person’s breathing and heart rates.
Para-Fluorofentanyl is a synthetic fentanyl analogue with similar effects to fentanyl. As a synthetic drug, its exact potency is not fully known, which adds to the unpredictability and risk of this sample.
Fentanyl is a very strong opioid, considered to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Carfentanil is an extremely strong fentanyl-related drug. It is considered to be up to 100 times stronger than fentanyl.
Caffeine is a stimulant normally found in coffee and is often added to “down” samples. However, stimulants like caffeine DO NOT reverse the sedating and respiratory depression effects of opioids or tranquilizers.
This sample contained a mix of fentanyl analogues, and an animal tranquilizer, which can cause complex overdose/drug toxicity events that do not respond fully to naloxone. Using high-potency opioids in combination with tranquilizers increases the risk of dangerous suppression of vitals (e.g., slowing down of breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate). Naloxone cannot reverse the sedating effects of non-opioid substances such as Medetomidine.
If you are concerned about an overdose, call 911 for emergency medical assistance. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can provide you with some legal protection, even if you have used drugs
If you are using alone, consider calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 to connect to a safe consumption volunteer who stays on the line for 15-30 minutes while you use the substance. https://www.nors.ca/
Attend Drug Checking services to check for contaminants and take steps to reduce harms from potent or unexpected drugs.
In Winnipeg, drugs can be checked at:
Street Connections: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm at 496 Hargrave (closed from 12-1pm)
Nine Circles: Tues/Wed/Thurs 10:00 am-4:00 pm at 705 Broadway
Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS): Wed-Sun 12-5pm at 631 Main Street. MOPS is mobile around central Winnipeg in the evenings, from 6:30-9:30pm.
May 11, 2026
May 1, 2026
Carfentanil and Medetomidine in sample tested at Street Connections
May 1, 2026
A yellow waxy chunk believed to be “fentanyl” was tested at Street Connections on April 8, 2026. The participant reported nausea, profuse vomiting, shaking, and sweating from its use. The sample was sent for confirmatory testing at Health Canada Drug Analysis Services (DAS), as local testing results only detected fentanyl and medetomidine on test strips (on FTIR). Results from DAS testing (quantitative analysis) were found to contain:
Medetomidine (2.31%), Caffeine (10.8%), Mannitol (52.9%), Dimethyl sulfone (13.9%), carfentanil, fentanyl and three additional fentanyl precursors. No quantities reported due to the presence of precursors or byproducts of fentanyl.
Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer approved only for use on animals. It is stronger than xylazine. This drug lasts longer, and the person may not wake up for a long time. This substance causes central nervous system depression, which decreases a person’s heart rate.
Fentanyl is a high-potency synthetic opiod, considered to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Carfentanil is an ultrapotent fentanyl-related drug, considered to be up to 100 times stronger than fentanyl.
Caffeine is a stimulant normally found in coffee and is often added to “down” samples. However, stimulants like caffeine DO NOT reverse the sedating and respiratory depression effects of opioids or tranquilizers.
Mannitol is a sugar substitute used as a filler. It is generally found in fentanyl samples.
Dimethyl sulfone is dietary supplement used to reduce swelling of muscles and joints, used as filler. It is generally found in fentanyl and methamphetamine samples.
This sample contained a mix of fentanyl analogues, and an animal tranquilizer, which can cause complex overdose/drug toxicity events that do not respond fully to naloxone. Using high-potency opioids in combination with tranquilizers increases the risk of dangerous suppression of vitals (e.g., slowing down of breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate). Naloxone cannot reverse the sedating effects of non-opioid substances such as Medetomidine.
For more information on drugs analyzed by DAS, see Analyzed Drug Report - Drug Analysis Service | Public Health Infobase - Public Health Agency of Canada
If you are concerned about an overdose, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
In Canada, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can provide you with some legal protection when you call 911, even if you have consumed drugs yourself.
For more information on drugs analyzed by DAS, see Analyzed Drug Report - Drug Analysis Service | Public Health Infobase - Public Health Agency of Canada
If you use drugs:
Don’t use alone and carry naloxone. Naloxone Finder – Take Home Program | Health | Province of Manitoba
If you are using alone, consider calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 to connect to a safe consumption volunteer who stays on the line for 15-30 minutes while you use the substance. https://www.nors.ca/
Attend Drug Checking services to check for contaminants and take steps to reduce harms from potent or unexpected drugs.
In Winnipeg, drugs can be checked at:
Street Connections: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm at 496 Hargrave (closed from 12-1pm)
Nine Circles: Tues/Wed/Thurs 10:00 am-4:00 pm at 705 Broadway
Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS): Wed-Sun 12-5pm at 631 Main Street. MOPS is mobile around central Winnipeg in the evenings, from 6:30-9:30pm.
High Potency Benzodiazepine, Fentanyl, and Veterinary Tranquilizer in Local Enforcement Seizure (seized in Headingley, MB)
April 27, 2026
A sample of blue powder seized by law enforcement was received by DAS for testing on March 6th, 2026, and contained ethylbromazolam, para-fluorofentanyl, medetomidine, and caffeine (no photo or quantitative information available).
Ethylbromazolam – A high-potency benzodiazepine-related drug. A research chemical benzodiazepine substance that has a limited history of human usage.
Para-fluorofentanyl is considered to be similar in potency and effects to fentanyl.
Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer approved only for use on animals. It is stronger than xylazine. This drug lasts longer, and the person may not wake up for a long time. This substance causes central nervous system depression, which decreases a person’s heart rate. Among the withdrawal effects are high blood pressure and fast heart rate, agitation, nausea, and a potential need for healthcare.
Caffeine is a stimulant normally found in coffee and is often added to “down” samples. However, stimulants like caffeine DO NOT reverse the sedating and respiratory depression effects of opioids or tranquilizers.
Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service (DAS) tests illegal drugs seized by Canadian law enforcement agencies. For more information on drugs analyzed by DAS, see Analyzed Drug Report - Drug Analysis Service | Public Health Infobase - Public Health Agency of Canada
If you use drugs:
Don’t use alone and carry naloxone. Naloxone Finder – Take Home Program | Health | Province of Manitoba
If you are using alone, consider calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 to connect to a safe consumption volunteer who stays on the line for 15-30 minutes while you use the substance. https://www.nors.ca/
Attend Drug Checking services to check for contaminants and take steps to reduce harms from potent or unexpected drugs.
In Winnipeg, drugs can be checked at:
Street Connections: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm at 496 Hargrave (closed from 12-1 pm)
Nine Circles: Tues/Wed/Thurs 10:00 am-4:00 pm at 705 Broadway
Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS): Wed-Sun 12-4 pm at 631 Main Street.
Ethylflualprazolam and Fentanyl in local enforcement seizure
April 13, 2026
A sample of multicoloured powder (green, pink, blue) seized by law enforcement on March 25, 2026, tested by DAS contained a high-potency benzodiazepine, Fentanyl, and caffeine.
Ethylflualprazolam is related to alprazolam (Xanax). Its strength and the duration of its effects are unknown.
This sample contained a mix of fentanyl analogues and benzodiazepines, which can cause complex overdose/drug toxicity events that do not respond fully to naloxone. Using high-potency opioids in combination with benzodiazepine-like substances increases the risk of dangerous suppression of vitals (e.g., slowing down of breathing, blood pressure, heart rate). Naloxone cannot reverse the sedating effects of non-opioid substances such as benzodiazepines.
Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service (DAS) tests illegal drugs seized by Canadian law enforcement agencies. For more information on drugs analyzed by DAS, see Analyzed Drug Report - Drug Analysis Service | Public Health Infobase - Public Health Agency of Canada
If you use drugs:
Don’t use alone and carry naloxone. Naloxone Finder – Take Home Program | Health | Province of Manitoba
If you are using alone, consider calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 to connect to a safe consumption volunteer who stays on the line for 15-30 minutes while you use the substance. https://www.nors.ca/
Attend Drug Checking services to check for contaminants and take steps to reduce harms from potent or unexpected drugs.
In Winnipeg, drugs can be checked at:
Street Connections: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm at 496 Hargrave (closed from 12-1 pm)
Nine Circles: Tues/Wed/Thurs 10:00 am-4:00 pm at 705 Broadway
Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS): Wed-Sun 12-4 pm at 631 Main Street.
HEALTH CANADA DRUG ANALYSIS SERVICE– MEDETOMIDINE IN COUNTERFEIT TABLET DETECTED IN MANITOBA
March 3, 2026
A white, round counterfeit tablet/pill with markings “TEC” was seized by local law enforcement and was tested by Health Canada Drug Analysis Service (DAS) on February 13, 2026.
The tablet contained Medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer currently found in the local drug supply, and heroin.
Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer approved only for use on animals. It is stronger than xylazine. This drug lasts longer, and the person may not wake up for a long time. This substance causes central nervous system depression, which decreases a person’s heart rate. Among the withdrawal effects are high blood pressure and fast heart rate, agitation, nausea, and a potential need for healthcare.
Naloxone cannot reverse the sedating effects of non-opioid substances such as Medetomidine.
If an overdose involving loss of consciousness and decreased breathing is witnessed, still provide naloxone, as most medetomidine samples also contain opioids.
For more information, see Pubic-Health-Alert_Medetomidine-in-Winnipegs-Drug-Supply_Street-Connections.pdf
For more information on drugs analyzed by DAS, see Analyzed Drug Report - Drug Analysis Service | Public Health Infobase - Public Health Agency of Canada
If you are concerned about an overdose, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
In Canada, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can provide you with some legal protection when you call 911, even if you have consumed drugs yourself.
For more information on drugs analyzed by DAS, see Analyzed Drug Report - Drug Analysis Service | Public Health Infobase - Public Health Agency of Canada
If you use drugs:
Don’t use alone and carry naloxone. Naloxone Finder – Take Home Program | Health | Province of Manitoba
If you are using alone, consider calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 to connect to a safe consumption volunteer who stays on the line for 15-30 minutes while you use the substance. https://www.nors.ca/
Attend Drug Checking services to check for contaminants and take steps to reduce harms from potent or unexpected drugs.
In Winnipeg, drugs can be checked at:
Street Connections: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm at 496 Hargrave (closed from 12-1pm)
Nine Circles: Tues/Wed/Thurs 10:00 am-4:00 pm at 705 Broadway
Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS): Wed-Sun 12-4pm at 631 Main Street.
Public Health Alert: Medetomidine in Winnipeg's Drug Supply
February 27, 2026
Para-Fluorofentanyl, Benzos and Medetomidine in sample tested at Street Connections
February 17, 2026
Correction: Medetomidine was found on FTIR for this sample (Feb 18, 2026)
An orange chunk or rock believed to be “down,” tested at Street Connections on February 13, 2026, was found to contain:
para-fluorofentanyl, desalkylgidazepam, caffeine, and medetomidine (on FTIR).
Para-Fluorofentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar in potency and effect to fentanyl.
Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer approved only for use on animals. It is stronger than xylazine. This drug lasts longer, and the person may not wake up for a long time. This substance causes central nervous system depression, which decreases a person’s heart rate.
Caffeine is a stimulant normally found in coffee and is often added to “down.” However, stimulants like caffeine DO NOT reverse the sedating and respiratory depression effects of opioids or tranquilizers.
Desalkylgidazepam is a benzodiazepine-related drug used in some countries to treat anxiety and insomnia, with little known about its strength or the duration of its effects.
This sample contained a mix of fentanyl analogue, benzodiazepines and an animal tranquilizer, which can cause complex overdose/drug toxicity events that do not respond fully to naloxone. Using high-potency opioids in combination with benzodiazepine-like substances increases the risk of dangerous suppression of vitals (e.g., slowing down of breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate).
Naloxone cannot reverse the sedating effects of non-opioid substances such as Desalkylgidazepam and Medetomidine.
Medetomidine in sample sold as Fualprazolam (benzo) tested at Street Connections
February 17, 2026
Correction: Medetomidine was only detected on test strips (Feb 18, 2026)
A pink powder sold as Flualprazolam tested at Street Connections on February 13, 2026, was found to contain Medetomidine (on test strips). No benzodiazepines were detected on FTIR or test strips. The sample was negative for fentanyl/fentanyl analogues on test strips.
Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer approved only for use on animals. It is stronger than xylazine. This drug lasts longer, and the person may not wake up for a long time. This substance causes central nervous system depression, which decreases a person’s heart rate. Among the withdrawal effects are high blood pressure and fast heart rate, agitation, nausea, and a potential need for healthcare.
No other active substance was found in this sample. This sample appeared to contain only Medetomidine.
Naloxone cannot reverse the sedating effects of non-opioid substances such as Medetomidine.
If you use drugs:
Call 911 (or your local emergency response number) if you witness or experience an overdose. The Good Samaritan Overdose Protection Act will protect those involved from drug possession charges or breach of probation/pre-trial release charges.
- Get naloxone and overdose training before using – bring a friend
- Be aware that benzodiazepines don’t respond to naloxone.
- Do not use drugs alone or behind a locked door. Have a designated responder: Stagger use with friends so someone can respond/call 911 if needed.
- If you are using alone consider calling the National Overdose Prevention Hotline at 1−888−688−6677, where you will be connected to a safe consumption volunteer who stays on the line for 15 – 30 minutes while you use the substance.
- Use a less direct route when you take drugs. Injecting a drug is the most direct and dangerous route.
- If you mix drugs, reduce the amount of each drug you take and use opioids before benzos or alcohol. Use the most unpredictable drug first.
- Use one drug at a time, test your drugs every time by doing a smaller than usual test amount first.
- Wait before taking another dose – some drugs take longer to take effect
- The amount of naloxone in a take-home kit may not be enough to reverse very powerful overdoses, such as those caused by fentanyl-like drugs.
- If you inject do not share any injection equipment (needles, cookers, filters, rinse). Sterile drug use supplies are available from many places.