Replica pills resembling the prescription medication Xanax have tested positive for the opioid isotonitazene.
Alberta RCMP have issued a warning about the deadly supply of illegal opiates, after investigating the death of a 16-year-old youth, where there was a nexus to the opioid.
According to Alberta RCMP, Xanax is used for anti-anxiety and is opiate-free.
The pills containing the opiate are described as grey in appearance, rectangular in shape, have the letters “ONAX” imprinted on one side and have the number “2” printed vertically on the other side.
RCMP Public Information Officer Cpl. Troy Savinkoff says parents, relatives and other community members need to share this information as much as possible. “Especially so now that school is out.”
Savinkoff adds the drugs are illegal, but the replica pills pose an extremely dangerous risk. “We’re working to interdict the supply and notify the public. Please look at the photos, share them with your kids, friends and relatives, and let them know these pills could kill them.”
Prescriptions should only be purchased from a reputable licensed pharmacist, the Alberta RCMP notes.
If you have information about replica prescriptions, please contact police or call 310-RCMP.
