Montreal Public Health Issues Critical Advisory on Counterfeit PEZ Candies
Montreal public health authorities have issued an urgent advisory for the second time in a month, warning children, teenagers, young adults, and parents about a dangerous counterfeit party treat circulating in the city. The fake pink rectangular tablets, marked to resemble popular PEZ candies, are laced with etizolam, a banned drug in Canada that has been responsible for multiple deadly overdoses.
Deadly History and Current Concerns
The Montreal regional public health department expressed deep concern in a statement released on Friday, February 20, 2026, highlighting the circulation of these tablets on the illicit market. "Users may be unwittingly exposed to the risk of overdose," the agency declared on Facebook. "These tablets look similar to 'PEZ' candies, which are popular with children. The content of these tablets is often unpredictable."
This warning comes with a tragic backdrop. In 2020, similar fake PEZ candies containing etizolam were linked to several overdoses in the Montreal area. That year, two young adults died after ingesting the drug:
- A 19-year-old man from the South Shore overdosed and died after taking etizolam in disguised PEZ tablets.
- A 21-year-old woman in the Laurentians lapsed into a coma and required a ventilator in hospital.
Authorities noted that in some cases, the tablets also contained cocaine, increasing the risk when combined with other substances like alcohol.
Understanding the Danger of Etizolam
Etizolam is a benzodiazepine that, while prescribed in countries like India, Italy, and Japan, is not licensed in Canada. It is considered five to ten times more potent than diazepam, commonly known as Valium, which is used to treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
The side effects of etizolam-laced candies include:
- Short-term decrease in anxiety
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Loss of balance and confusion
- Falls and unconsciousness
An overdose can lead to severe symptoms such as little or no reaction to noise and pain, difficulty breathing, snoring, and potentially fatal respiratory depression. According to the British Columbia Center for Disease Control, oral doses of etizolam take effect within 30 minutes to 2 hours, with peak concentration in the bloodstream occurring 3 to 4 hours after ingestion.
Recent Public Health Warnings in Montreal
This advisory is part of a broader pattern of public health alerts in Montreal. On February 9, 2026, authorities warned about a fake cough syrup mixed with protonitazene, a highly addictive opioid that can also cause overdoses. This illicit syrup, known by street names like "lean" and "purple drank," was linked to an overdose death in Laval in November 2023.
While authorities did not specify if recent overdoses prompted the latest PEZ candy warning, the historical data underscores the ongoing threat.
Emergency Response and Resources
In cases of suspected overdose, the Montreal advisory urges immediate action:
- Call 911 without delay.
- Contact the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.
- Reach out to the Quebec hotline, Accompagnement à distance en prévention des surdoses, at 1-800-265-2626.
Public health officials emphasize the importance of vigilance, particularly among young people who might mistake these dangerous tablets for harmless candies. The combination of etizolam with other substances significantly heightens the risk, making education and awareness critical in preventing further tragedies.
