Image: Fraser Health

By Alyssa Conti

TOXIC DRUG ALERT

Fraser Health authorities warn against toxic drug supply across region

Nov 28, 2025 | 1:12 PM

CHILLIWACK — Health authorities have issued a toxic drug advisory for a veterinary drug being detected in the unregulated opioid supply across Fraser Health communities.

Fraser Health says medetomidine is a potent non-opioid used to sedate animals in veterinary visits. Its effects are similar to xylazine, or “tranq,” but are roughly 200 times more powerful and are unaffected by naloxone.

Despite this, officials ask that naloxone still be administered in suspected opioid poisonings.

“Be prepared for prolonged sedation and the need for continuous airway support and monitoring,” said Fraser Health in a release. “Friends, family, and community members using unregulated substances may face increased harms of unknowingly taking different substances than intended.”

Medetomidine withdrawal can lead to severe symptoms, including a rapid heart rate and dangerously high blood pressure.

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Tips on safer drug use include:

• Explore episodic Overdose Prevention Services and local Overdose Prevention Sites
• Stagger use with friends so someone can respond if needed
• If using alone, let someone know to check in on you, download the Lifeguard or BeSafe app and call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 if there’s no cell data.

The alert is set to be removed by December 15.