The NWT’s chief public health officer has issued another warning after a sample of Hay River crack cocaine was shown to contain some of the most powerful opioids on Earth.
Dr Kami Kandola warned in October of carfentanil, an extremely strong synthetic opioid, in cocaine circulating in the town. More than a dozen overdoses have been reported in Hay River in recent weeks, a number that healthcare staff say is continuing to climb.
Now, Dr Kandola says a crack cocaine sample from Hay River has tested positive for both carfentanil and another powerful opioid, remifentanil.
Remifentanil is “used in surgical settings for anesthesia,” acts quickly and can cause severe respiratory depression,” Kandola’s office stated in a Friday advisory.
Together or even on their own, carfentanil and remifentanil increase the risk of overdoses and overdose-related deaths. Often, officials say, people don’t realize they are consuming those substances alongside other drugs.
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The GNWT has published guidance related to the risk, signs and symptoms.
“This is the first time carfentanil and remifentanil have been found combined in cocaine in the Northwest Territories,” Kandola’s office stated.
“In 2024, the NWT had seven opioid-related deaths in five different communities. All of these incidents show a shift in the NWTs illicit drug profile that is concerning.”
Earlier this week, RCMP said a man faces charges after carfentanil was found following a traffic stop in Hay River.
