NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (November 14, 2025) – The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is warning residents about the recent detection of a highly dangerous drug combination new to the Northwest Territories. A laboratory investigation of a sample from Hay River has tested positive for carfentanil, remifentanil, and cocaine.
About Carfentanil
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. The presence of carfentanil in illicit drugs is cause for concern, as the strength of this drug could lead to an increase in overdoses and overdose-related deaths.
About Remifentanil
Remifentanil is a powerful opioid used in surgical settings for anesthesia. It acts quickly and can cause severe respiratory depression. When combined with other opioids or stimulants like cocaine, the risk of sudden overdose increases significantly.
Combined Risk
The combination of carfentanil and remifentanil in cocaine creates an extremely toxic and unpredictable mixture that greatly increases the risk of sudden overdose and death, for both long-time users and individuals who do not normally use opioids.
What to do if you suspect an overdoseIf you suspect an overdose, call 911 or your local health centre.
Signs and symptoms of opioid overdose can include the following:
- Breathing is slow or absent
- Lips and nails are blue
- Person is not moving
- Person is choking
- Gurgling sounds or snoring
- Severe sleepiness
- Person can’t be woken up
- Skin feels cold and clammy
While naloxone can reduce an opioid overdose, multiple doses may be required due to the potency of the remifentanil and carfentanil.
What this means for NWT residents
This is the first time carfentanil and remifentanil have been found combined in cocaine in the Northwest Territories.
In 2024, the NWT had 7 opioid related deaths in 5 different communities. All of these incidents show a shift in the NWTs illicit drug profile that is concerning. The CPHO continues to work with frontline healthcare providers, coroners, RCMP and other frontline first responders in tandem with wastewater testing to further understand the risk that illicit drugs continue to impose on NWT residents.
Safety tips for people who use drugs
- Never use alone.
- Start with small amounts.
- Have naloxone nearby and know how to use it.
- Don’t mix drugs with other drugs, or with alcohol.
Naloxone availability
Residents are reminded that Naloxone kits are available at all hospitals, health centres and pharmacies in the NWT.
Legal protection
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people involved in an overdose from being charged for possession of a controlled substance. This law encourages anyone to call for help if they witness or experience an overdose.
More information
For media requests, please contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Andrew_Wind@gov.nt.ca