NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (August 5, 2026) – The detection of carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues in drugs tested in Hay River has prompted the Chief Public Health Officer to issue an updated public health advisory about the dangers associated with illicit drugs in the Northwest Territories.
Carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues have continued to be detected in drugs in Hay River over the past year. Previously, they were found in a specific colour of cocaine. Recent testing shows they are now being detected in all forms of cocaine, including powdered and rock forms.
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.
Health risks
There are no visible warning signs that street drugs contain opioids. You cannot detect them by sight, smell, or taste.
Because carfentanil is extremely potent, even a small amount can cause an overdose. People using cocaine may be exposed to opioids without knowing it.
What to do if you suspect an overdose
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or your local health centre immediately.
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 the drug contains carfentanil.
What this means for NWT residents
This advisory alerts residents to the presence of carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues in the illicit drugs in the Northwest Territories.
It updates the advisory issued on June 5, 2024, referring to “Brown Crack” and expands the concern to all cocaine products, regardless of colour or form (powdered or rock).
Safety tips for people who use drugs
- Never use alone.
- Start with small amounts over a longer period of time.
- Have naloxone nearby and know how to use it.
- Be within cell service or have another way to call for help.
- Don’t mix drugs with other drugs or alcohol.
Naloxone availability
Naloxone kits are available at all hospitals, health centres, pharmacies and health boxes 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 Office of the Chief Public Health Officer 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
HSSMedia@gov.nt.ca