Doctors warn of deadly street drug in YXE

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS) is warning a high potency synthetic opioid, known as N-Pyrrolidino Etonitazene (2-(4-ethoxybenzyl)-5-nitro-1-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl) ethyl)-1Hbenzo[d]imidazole) is present in Saskatoon. The deadly drug is in an orange powder/and or grainy substance.

The CPSS is concerned about this new street drug for a few reasons:

• This substance is newly encountered in the community and is known to be associated with

overdoses and deaths.

• This substance may be presented as a new form that individuals may be unaware they are

consuming.

• The substance may also represent a threat to anyone handling it without taking the appropriate health and safety precautions.

The drug is a synthetic opioid which is 10-20 times more potent than fentanyl. Etonitazene produces effects similar to other opioids including euphoria, sedation, and respiratory depression. There is a significant risk of overdose due to its potency which may require greater than normal doses of naloxone in the event of an overdose.

Currently, it is unknown if N-Pyrrolidino Etonitazene is circulating in Saskatchewan outside of the Saskatoon area but there have been reports in other provinces.

SINGLE SOURCE, STOCK PHOTO