Toxic drugs circulating in northern Ontario

Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in one of the Far North communities it serves.

The alert comes following a pair of overdoses in Marten Falls First Nation on Thursday.

The overdoses happened mere hours apart, said NAPS media relations coordinator Scott Paradis, in an email to CTV News.

"In both incidents, the overdoses were non-fatal, but required medical intervention," he said.

According to the police bulletin issued Friday, "the presence of fentanyl and other potent substances that can cause injury or death are increasing in our communities."

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, and it can often be made more dangerous when traffickers mix additional chemicals or cutting agents with it.

Aside from being very potent, fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin, said police.

"Fentanyl can be various colours in powder form, a clear patch or disguised in other ways (such as tablets, etc.)," said NAPS.

"There is a risk of fentanyl being present in any controlled substance, including non-opioid controlled substances such as methamphetamines."

According to the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, the presence of fentanyl and other potent substances that can cause injury or death are increasing in our communities. A safety bulletin was issued by the police service on Friday after two near-fatal overdoses in Marten Falls First Nation on January 9, 2025. A photo of fentanyl in its powdered form that has dyed pink is shown. (Supplied/Nishnawbe Aski Police Service)

In its powder or rock form fentanyl can often be dyed blue, brown, white or even pink.

In the past, investigators have said they cannot provide a specific description of the drugs they suspect are causing overdose spikes because drug traffickers can change the colour of their product quickly and such descriptions could present a false sense of security for users.

Community members are encouraged to keep a supply of Naloxone on hand and monitor individuals suffering from drug addictions for signs of a suspected opioid-related overdose.

“If you require urgent assistance, contact emergency services immediately,” said police.

Fentanyl -- part of the opioid crisis. (File photo/ShutterStock/Thomas Andre Fure)

Individuals in Ontario seeking help with drug addictions can contact ConnexOntario online, by texting "CONNEX" to 247247 or by phone toll-free at 1-866-531-2600 to find mental health and addiction services available in their area.

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Anyone with information about ongoing drug-trafficking activity is asked to contact their nearest NAPS detachment or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service crest on a brick wall. (File Photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)