The counterfeit Dilaudid was made of protonitazine, an opioid that is more than 20 times more potent than fentanyl.
The RCMP has issued a warning after a number of youth in NL have died as the result of drug overdoses and the seizure of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Cpl Jolene Garland says substances disguised as Xanax and Dilaudid have been seized as part of these overdose investigations. However, she says what looked like Xanax contained none of the substances of the anxiety drug itself. It contained bromazolam, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy/molly). Bromazolam, while rarely fatal by itself, can cause significant health risks when combined with opioids. This combination can lead to respiratory depression and coma.
Garland says the Dilaudid they seized was also, not the painkiller Dilauid. The counterfeit Dilaudid was made of protonitazine, an opioid that is more than 20 times more potent than fentanyl. Protonitazine is extremely toxic, even to experienced drug users who have developed tolerance to other opioids.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about the associated dangers of substance use.
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