RCMP warning of counterfeit Dilaudid, Xanax amid spate of youth overdose deaths

Police are warning about what they're calling "dangerous counterfeit pharmaceutical substances." The recently seized substances, which the RCMP say contain non-medicinal drugs, are being sold as Xanax and Dilaudid.

The counterfeit drugs were seized in recent drugs overdose investigations. A press release from the RCMP Thursday said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed "a number" of deaths from ingesting these substances, including youth.

The RCMP told CBC News that the source of the substances is still under investigation, but "certainly purchasing these products from the black market online is possible."

Xanax — a benzodiazepine — is medically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, but the recently seized counterfeit was made of bromazolam, methamphetamine and MDMA. The release said, "this combination can lead to respiratory depression and coma."

The counterfeit Dilaudid was composed of protonitazine, an opoid 20 times more potent than fentanyl.

Real Dilaudid contains hydromorphone, and is commonly prescribed as a painkiller.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said last month that fake Dilaudid was connected to a sudden death in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Police are encouraging families to speak with their children about the dangers of substance use, and are reminding the public that naloxone kits are free of cost and readily available across the province. Naloxone kits effectively and temporarily reverse opioid overdoses, but not overdoses caused by other substances.

Police encourage anyone witnessing a potential drug overdose to call 911.

"Residents are reminded of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which offers some legal protections to those experience or witness a drug overdose death," the release said.

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