Date: Monday, April 20, 2026


Location: Winnipeg


Substance Sold As: Down


Visual Description: Pink chunk

Pink chunk sold as DOWN tested positive for fentanyl and medetomidine.



Tested using strips at the Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS) on April 18. [Original Photo]

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 and slows breathing.

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 samples that have medetomidine 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