NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (October 22, 2025) – The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is warning residents about the recent detection of a dangerous drug combination in the Northwest Territories. A drug seizure of a beige powder on September 11, 2025, in Hay River has tested positive for carfentanil, cocaine, and phenacetin by a Health Canada laboratory.
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 relative strength of this drug could lead to an increase in overdoses and overdose-related deaths.
About Phenacetin
Phenacetin is a discontinued drug used mainly for pain relief or fever reduction. It was removed from market because of its dangerous side effects namely related to kidney damage. It has not been available in Canada without prescription since 1973.
Health risks
There are no visible warning signs that street drugs contain opioids. You cannot detect them by sight, smell, or taste.
What to do if you suspect an overdose
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or your local health centre. Signs and symptoms of opioid overdose can include the following:
- Breathing will be 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, an opioid reversing agent, will not stop effects of a benzodiazepine overdose, it should still be used as it may reverse the effects when opioids are also consumed. Multiple doses of naloxone may be required if opioids and benzodiazepines are mixed.
What this means for NWT residents
This is the first time carfentanil has been found in powered 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.
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.
The CPHO continues to work with frontline healthcare providers, coroners, RCMP and other frontline first responders in tandem with wastewater testing and community presentations to further understand the risk that illicit drugs continue to impose on NWT residents.
More information
For media requests, please contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Andrew_Wind@gov.nt.ca