Red Deer RCMP are looking to raise public awareness on the potential for accidental drug related overdose.

Police have received reliable information that there has been an increase in Emergency calls for service regarding accidental drug related overdoses.

An increase in the use of illicit drugs mixed with xylazine has emerged in our community. Xylazine is a tranquilizer used for sedation and anesthesia in horses and other non-human mammals. With the mixing of illicit drugs, there is an elevated risk involved with accidental overdose, posing extreme risk to human death.

RCMP have noticed an uptake in activity in the City of Red Deer and wish to make the public aware.

Be mindful that Naloxone (Narcan) does not offer protection against drug overdose. Naloxone can be used to temporarily reverse the potentially fatal symptoms of overdose exposure to opioids, such as fentanyl. 

We do not currently know the effects that Naloxone has on xylazine or other agents mixed into these illicit drugs.

Red Deer RCMP are encouraging the public to be cautious and safe. If you suspect an overdose call 911.

 

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