Windsor-Essex isn't well-equipped to handle new potent drug hitting Ontario streets, experts warn

Windsor-Essex isn't well-equipped to handle a potent new drug entering the unregulated supply, experts said, as Windsor police warn of an animal tranquilizer mixed with drugs in Toronto. 

In a social media post this week, Windsor police warned of medetomidine, approved for veterinary use to sedate large animals.

While it is similar to xylazine, another potent animal tranquilizer that can now be found mixed into the toxic drug supply, medetomidine is considered more potent. 

Michael Parkinson is a drug strategies specialist with the Drug Strategy Network. The trend of additives like medetomidine isn't going away, he said. 

"It's sad, it's deadly, but there is zero chance that the unregulated drug market is going to become safer or healthier," he said.

In many cases according to Parkinson, medetomidine is mixed with fentanyl, an opioid.

WATCH | Here's how an Ontario clinic tests for an animal tranquilizer in the street drug supply:

Parkinson said people should still administer naloxone if they suspect a drug overdose. But it may not have the same impact when opioids are mixed with other drugs. 

"The downside is with sedatives and benzodiazepines and what else it still knocks people out," he said. "So you really have to monitor the patients, get them into a hospital, into emergency care if you can."

"But we know that the data is clear that many people will refuse to go to hospital primarily out of fear of the criminal justice system."

LISTEN | Windsor police warn of new drug in unregulated supply:

Parkinson said more action is needed on drug checking services, supervised consumption sites and safer supply options, although those are limited.  

But in the absence of that, he said people should stay up to date on what types of drugs are circulating and the signs and symptoms to watch for. In the event of an overdose, the emergency room is the best place to be, he added.

But it's "all hands on deck" for advocating for more resources, from addiction treatment services to childhood prevention initiatives or harm reduction, he said.