NORTHWEST TERRITORIES – March 11, 2024 – The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) is alerting the public of a recent suspected overdose-related death in the Northwest Territories.
NWT’s Coroner’s Office has informed the OCPHO that an investigation of the recent death leads them to suspect that it was due to a drug overdose, potentially from cocaine mixed with other substances. With ongoing detections of opioids and other toxic drugs in the territory, the concern is the death is due to toxic contaminants.
Because illicit drugs supplies can reach every NWT community, the OCPHO wants to warn all potential illegal drug users that they may be at risk of receiving supplies containing potential adulterants. The Coroner’s Office will continue their investigation into the recent death.
People who use drugs should always use them with others present, start with small amounts, have naloxone kits with them, and make sure that everyone they are using with knows how to use naloxone. Naloxone saves lives. People should never use a mix of drugs or with alcohol since mixing substances greatly increases the risk of overdose.
If you suspect an overdose, call an ambulance or your local health centre. Signs and symptoms of 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; or
- Skin feels cold and clammy.
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.
Residents are reminded that naloxone kits (opioid reversing agent) are available at all hospitals, health centres and pharmacies in the NWT. Note that naloxone is only effective in the case of an opioid overdose. However, if you are unsure of the substance(s) involved, it’s best to err on the side of caution and administer it. Naloxone is not known to cause any harm in the case of a non-opioid overdose. Some synthetic opioids, such as Carfentanil overdoses, may require repeated doses of naloxone.
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For more information contact:
Umesh Sutendra
A/Manager Communications
Health and Social Services
Umesh_Sutendra@gov.nt.ca