Health authorities in Montreal have sounded the alarm, issuing an urgent public overdose alert concerning a new and potent synthetic opioid circulating in the city's unregulated drug supply.
An Unseen and Potent Threat
The warning comes as public health experts identify a previously unseen substance that poses a significant risk of severe injury or fatal overdose. The synthetic nature of this opioid means it can be dozens to hundreds of times more potent than other street drugs like heroin or fentanyl. This dramatically increases the likelihood of an overdose, even from a very small amount.
The alert was officially issued on November 25, 2025, urging extreme caution for people who use drugs, as well as their friends and families. The specific chemical composition of this new opioid was not disclosed, a common practice to avoid inadvertently promoting its use.
Immediate Safety Recommendations
In response to this critical threat, Montreal health officials are emphasizing several life-saving measures. They strongly advise individuals to avoid using drugs alone. Having someone present who can call for help or administer naloxone in the event of an overdose is crucial.
Furthermore, the use of naloxone is being heavily promoted. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, and kits are available for free at many pharmacies and community organizations across Montreal. Officials note that due to the extreme potency of this new substance, multiple doses of naloxone may be required to revive a person.
Other key recommendations include:
- Start with a very small test dose to check the potency of the drug.
- Use drugs at an overdose prevention site or supervised consumption service where staff are trained to respond to emergencies.
- Call 911 immediately if someone is suspected of having an overdose.
A Broader Public Health Crisis
This new synthetic opioid alert is part of the larger and ongoing toxic drug and overdose crisis affecting communities across Canada. The contamination of the unregulated drug supply with powerful synthetic substances has made substance use more dangerous than ever before.
The emergence of this new opioid underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the street drug market. Public health efforts continue to focus on harm reduction, increased access to treatment, and decriminalization as key strategies to save lives and address the root causes of the crisis.
For anyone struggling with substance use, or for loved ones seeking support, reaching out to local health services or calling a crisis helpline is a critical first step toward safety and recovery.
