Mounties in Alberta have issued a province-wide public safety alert following the death of a 16-year-old linked to a counterfeit pill containing a highly toxic synthetic opioid.
The pills, which closely resemble the prescription anti-anxiety medication Xanax, were found to contain isotonitazene, a powerful opioid that can be deadly even in small doses.
“This is a tragic case involving a young person whose life was cut short,” said RCMP Public Information Officer Cpl. Troy Savinkoff. “We are investigating the death of a 16-year-old youth where there is a nexus to isotonitazene. Parents, relatives, and other community members need to share this information as much as possible, and especially so now that school is out.”
RCMP say the counterfeit pills are grey, rectangular, and marked with the word “ONAX” on one side and a vertical “2” on the other. They are urging families to talk to their children and share photos of the pills, which may be circulating under the false impression they are legitimate Xanax tablets.
“Yes, the drugs are illegal,” added Savinkoff, “but more important is that the public knows the extreme danger that this dangerous replica can pose. We are working to interdict the supply and notify the public.”
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RCMP are urging anyone with information about these pills or other replica prescription drugs to contact local police or call 310-RCMP.
They also remind the public that prescription medications should only be obtained from licensed pharmacists.