Alberta RCMP are issuing a critical warning about a potentially deadly supply of illegal opiates that closely resemble a prescription medication called “Xanax”. Xanax is commonly used for anti-anxiety and is opiate-free. The replica pills have tested positive for deadly quantities of the highly potent opioid known as isotonitazene.
RCMP public information officer Cpl. Troy Savinkoff says that parents, relatives and community members should share this information as much as possible. With school out for summer, Savinkoff says the pills are dangerous. Currently, the RCMP is investigating the death of a 16-year-old youth in connection with isotonitazene.
“Yes, the drugs are illegal, but more important is that the public knows the extreme danger that this dangerous replica can pose," Savinkoff said. "We are 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 that these pills could kill them”.
The pills containing the opiate are described as:
- Grey in appearance;
- Rectangular shaped ;
- Have the letters ONAX imprinted on one side;
- Have the number “2” printed vertically on the other side.
Prescriptions should only be purchased from a reputable licensed pharmacist. If you have information about replica prescriptions, please contact your local police or call 310-RCMP.
