Lambton Public Health (LPH) is urgently recommending a heightened level of caution when using unregulated drugs.
An advisory was issued Thursday, stating there's an increase in opioid toxicity, linked to a "newly detected substance."
Sarnia police said in February two individuals were arrested for trafficking related offences.
Police seized fentanyl which was sent to Health Canada for analysis along with other offence related property. The police service was recently notified by the federal agency that "protodesnitazene” was detected in one of the samples.
Protodesnitazene is part of the nitazene class of opioids and is three time more potent than fentanyl.
"This substance presents a serious danger to the community, as users may unknowingly consume drugs that are more potent than they realize." said Deputy Sarnia Police Chief Ron Hansen.
LPH said residents can prevent opioid-related poisonings by taking the following steps::
• Don’t mix with alcohol or other drugs
• Don’t use alone
• Know the signs of an opioid overdose
• Carry a Naloxone kit
LPH said additional doses of Naloxone may be required to treat the substance due to the lack of response to typical doses.
Signs of an opioid overdose/toxicity include:
• Difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
• Blue or grey lips or nails
• Very small pupils
• Cold and clammy skin
• Dizziness and confusion
• Extreme drowsiness
• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• Slow, weak, or no breathing
• Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
Free Naloxone kits are available from LPH, local pharmacies, and several partner agencies including Community Health Centres.
In the event of a suspected overdose, residents are encouraged to call 911 and stay at the scene to give information to paramedics, and administer Nalxone.
Residents are reminded the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects them.
Under the act, when bystanders assist while using reasonable care, they cannot face a lawsuit if they unintentionally cause further injuries.
More information can be found on the LPH website.