The opioid is 25 times more potent than the fentanyl detected in Quebec City

MONTREAL – Health officials in the Quebec City area say an opioid 25 times more potent than fentanyl has begun to circulate on local streets.

Officials say protonitazepine carries a high risk of overdose, which can require multiple doses of the life-saving drug naloxone.

Health Canada identified the substance 25 times across the country in 2023.

And officials say he has been spotted more often in the Montreal area since the beginning of this year.

Quebec City's regional health department says it has detected protonitazepine in pale green pills that look like other prescription opioids.

Authorities warn that protonitazepine does not show up in fentanyl test strips.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 10, 2024.

Canadian Press