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3mo ago

VicPD Warns After 15 Overdoses as Medetomidine-Laced Opioids Spread Across B.C.

Officials warn the veterinary sedative can blunt naloxone response, prolonging unconsciousness.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health says dangerous drugs in the community of Saskatoon that which may contain fentanyl, medetomidine, or other unknown substances.
An empty coffin is carried during a march organized by the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, in Vancouver, on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
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Overview

  • Victoria Police reported 15 non-fatal overdoses in 24 hours this week that they believe involved medetomidine mixed with opioids.
  • The B.C. Centre for Disease Control issued a provincewide alert after rising detections, including medetomidine in 38% of opioid samples tested in November 2025.
  • Prevalence varies by region, with Fraser Health reporting 52.2% of tested opioid samples containing medetomidine as it becomes more widespread than a year ago.
  • BC Emergency Health Services recorded a single-day high of 256 overdose calls on Jan. 21, and Interior Health described clusters of people found unconscious in Trail.
  • Health agencies advise drug checking, use of overdose prevention sites, staggered use with a partner, cautious dosing, and carrying naloxone, while Saskatchewan issued a new alert for Saskatoon.