Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Location: Winnipeg
Substance Sold As: Down
Visual Description: Yellow powder
A yellow powder believed to be DOWN and associated with a fatal overdose contained fentanyl and medetomidine.
Medetomidine is a sedative/tranquilizer only approved for use in animals.
Combining high-potency opioids like fentanyl with tranquilizers increases the risk of a complex overdose with suppression of breathing, blood pressure and heart rate.
Naloxone will not reverse the effects of medetomidine, but should still be given to reverse the opioid component.
The sample was brought to Street Connections on August 21, where it tested positive on strips for fentanyl and mede. Health Canada Drug Analysis Service (DAS) confirmed that it contained fentanyl, medetomidine and para-fluorofentanyl.
Full DAS results:
Para-fluorofentanyl (15%)
: a synthetic fentanyl analogue with similar effects to fentanyl. As a synthetic drug, its exact potency is not fully known, which adds to the unpredictability and risk of this sample.
Fentanyl (<1%)
: a very strong opioid, considered to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Medetomidine (1.17%): 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.
Mannitol (47.2%)
: a sugar substitute used as a non-drug filler. It is generally found in fentanyl samples.
Dimethylsulfone (18.6%)
: a dietary supplement used as a non-drug filler
Caffeine (14%): a stimulant normally found in coffee and is often added to “Down.” However, stimulants like caffeine DO NOT reverse the sedating and respiratory depression effects of opioids and tranquilizers.
Diphenhydramine (trace)
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 in case you are out for a long time.
* 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
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
