A drug known as liquid bromazolam has turned up in the Northwest Territories in the form of a pink liquid, the territory’s chief public health officer says.
In a Tuesday advisory, Dr Kami Kandola said the drug is a synthetic benzodiazepine – a type of depressant that ordinarily acts as a sedative to relieve anxiety or muscle spasms – and is not approved for medical use.
Benzos, as a group of drug, can be dangerous when misused. Dr Kandola’s office said bromazolam in particular is “a potent, unregulated drug” and users might not know the strength of what they are taking, increasing the risk of an overdose.
The drug was detected in the NWT for the first time on October 15 and Health Canada notified Kandola’s office on November 15, the advisory stated.
“Avoid touching or handling any suspicious substances,” the advisory continued.
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“Naloxone will not reverse the effects of bromazolam, but it can still help if opioids are involved.”
A full list of symptoms and guidance on what to do if you suspect an overdose or drug poisoning are available on the GNWT’s website.
