Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026


Location: Winnipeg


Substance Sold As: Down


Visual Description: Blue-green powder

Blue-green powder sold as down that was associated with a fatal overdose was found to contain fentanyl, benzodiazepine and medetomidine.

Substance tested positive on strips at Street Connections on Oct. 19. FTIR testing showed the presence of desalkylgidazepam, a novel benzodiazepine, as well as common drug additives cafeine and mannitol. 

Mixing opioids, sedatives and animal tranquilizers increases the risk of a complex overdose that naloxone cannot fully reverse. Naloxone should still be given to reverse the opioid component.

Source: Street Connections 

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT:

Handbills

Poster



If you are using substances, please:

* Use with a friend and stagger your use

* Use with someone you trust

* Start low and go slow

* Have and know how to use naloxone

If you are using alone, consider calling a friend or the NORS line at 1-888-688-NORS so they can spot you.

Get your drugs checked:

In Winnipeg:

Nine Circles, Tu/W/Th, 10am-4pm, parking lot door of 705 Broadway Ave

Street Connections, M/W/F, 8:30am-3:30pm, 496 Hargrave St
Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS): Sun/Mon 12-4pm in the lot beside 431 Main St. Mobile evenings and other days — call 431-335-3940 for locations and hours


Outside of Winnipeg:

Call the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network to obtain test strips 204-783-6184

If you are experiencing grief from losing loved ones to drug toxicity, please know you are not alone. If you need to talk to someone, please call the crisis line at Klinic: 204-786-8686 or toll free 1-888-322-3019