NWT officials are warning hard drug users to be wary of their sources after two recent deaths in the territory were linked to suspected overdoses, potentially involving fentanyl.

A public notice was released shortly after 1 p.m. on Nov. 11 by the office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

鈥淣WT鈥檚 Coroner鈥檚 Office has informed the OCPHO that an investigation of two recent deaths from the same community leads them to suspect that these are due to drug poisonings,鈥� said NWT Health and Social Services Authority communications manager Jeremy Bird. 鈥淎s one of the deceased had recently travelled back from Whitehorse, we are concerned that this incident may be linked to recent similar deaths that have occurred there, related to drug contamination with a fentanyl derivative. Because illicit drugs supplies can reach every NWT community, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer wants to warn all potential illegal drug users that they may be at risk of receiving supplies containing potential adulterants. The Coroner鈥檚 Office will continue their investigation into the recent deaths.

鈥淧eople who use drugs should always use them with others present, start with small amounts, and should have naloxone nearby and know how to use it. People should never use a mix of drugs or with alcohol since mixing substances greatly increases the risk of overdose.鈥�

The GNWT advises anyone seeing someone exhibiting the signs of a drug overdose to call for an ambulance or their health centre by phoning 911. Officials note that people who report an overdose and potentially save a life are protected from prosecution from carrying illegal contraband under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act 鈥� meaning if you make a phone call to save your friend鈥檚 life, you won鈥檛 get busted.

Signs of a drug overdose include the following:

• Breathing will be slow or absent;
• Lips and nails are blue;
• Person is not moving;
• Person is choking;
• Gurgling sounds or snoring;
• Severe sleepiness
• Person can鈥檛 be woken up; or
• Skin feels cold and clammy.

Bird noted that naloxone kits are available from all Health Centres, but cautioned that naloxone is only of use during an opiod 鈥� such as heroin 鈥� overdose.

鈥淩esidents are reminded that naloxone kits (opioid reversing agent) are available at all hospitals, health centres and pharmacies in the NWT,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ote that naloxone is only effective in the case of an opioid overdose. However, if you are unsure of the substance(s) involved, it鈥檚 best to err on the side of caution and administer it. Naloxone is not known to cause any harm in the case of a non-opioid overdose. Some synthetic opioids, such as Carfentanil overdoses, may require repeated doses of naloxone.鈥�