Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Location: Winnipeg


Substance Sold As: Down


Visual Description: Pink pebble

PINK pebble sold as DOWN that was associated with complex overdoses was found to contain fentanyl, benzodiazepine and medetomidine.

Substance tested positive for all three on strips at Street Connections on Oct. 26.

FTIR and Health Canada Drug Analysis Service testing confirmed the sample contained:

Fentanyl - 8.5%
Desalkylgidazepam - 5.4%
Medetomidine - 3%
Caffeine - 38%

Fentanyl is a very strong opioid, considered to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Desalkylgidazepam is an active benzodiazepine-related drug related to gidazepam, used in some countries to treat anxiety and insomnia, with little known about its strength or the duration of its effects.
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 rate.
Caffeine is a stimulant often added to “down” samples. However, stimulants like caffeine DO NOT reverse the sedating and respiratory depression effects of opioids and tranquilizers

This sample contains a mix of fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and an animal tranquilizer, which can cause complex overdose/drug toxicity events that do not respond fully to naloxone. 

The mix of high-potency opioids in combination with benzodiazepines and tranquilizers increases the risk of dangerous suppression of vitals (slowed breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate). 

Naloxone will not reverse the effects of medetomidine but should still be given to address the opioid component. Continued rescue breathing and calling 911 remain critical, as the person may need ongoing support even after naloxone is administered.

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