***NOTE: This alert and its accompanying documents have been updated to emphasize the presence of carfentanil in the sample.
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Location: Winnipeg
Substance Sold As: Down
Visual Description: Blue chunk/crystal
Blue chunk/crystal sold as DOWN found to contain carfentanil, fentanyl, medetomodine and benzodiazepine.
Carfentanil is up to 100x more potent than fentanyl, and a tiny amount can cause an overdose.
Sample was tested at Nine Circles following a non-fatal drug poisoning that sent a community member to the hospital on March 12.
Confirmatory testing at Health Canada Drug Analysis Service showed:
- 2.4% Para-Fluorofentanyl
- <1% Methamphetamine
- <1% Medetomidine
- Uncertain percentage: Despropionyl Fluorofentanyl, Fubromazepam, Carfentanil
Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer currently found in the local drug supply. It is stronger than xylazine and is only approved for use on animals. It decreases a person’s heart rate.
Combining sedatives with opioids like fentanyl increases the risk of a complex overdose.
Naloxone does not work on non-opioid substances such as medetomidine. You should still give naloxone in cases of overdose, since medetomidine samples usually contain opioids as well.
DOWNLOAD AND PRINT:
Handbills
Poster
If you are using substances, please:
* Use with a friend and stagger your use
* 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:
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) — W/T/F/S/S, 12-5PM in the parking lot beside 631 Main St.
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
