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The office of the N.W.T.’s chief public health officer issued an advisory Thursday noting the detection of the highly potent drug ethylflualprazolam in a Yellowknife RCMP drug seizure in July.
The advisory says the drug — a benzodiazepine related to alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax — was found in a “whitish, grainy powder seized by RCMP.” It was first detected in Canada in December 2025.
Ethylflualprazolam can cause extreme drowsiness, long-lasting sedation, loss of co-ordination and memory loss — and naloxone does not reverse its effects.
As it is a new drug, its health effects, strength and duration are not fully understood, the government warning notes.
Ethylflualprazolam is often sold as counterfeit Xanax and other benzodiazepines have been found mixed with cocaine, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.
According to the advisory, there are no visible warning signs that a drug contains other substances and they cannot be detected by taste or smell.
Mixing benzodiazepines with opioids can make the effects stronger, longer-lasting and reduce the effectiveness of naloxone.
The advisory says excessive drowsiness, loss of balance and co-ordination and memory loss are signs of benzodiazepine intoxication. High doses of drugs mixed with it can increase the risk of an overdose, leading to prolonged sedation, serious breathing problems, unconsciousness or death.
Last month, Dr. Kami Kandola, the N.W.T.’s chief public health officer, said there had been no fatal overdoses in the territory this year so far, despite the ongoing presence of toxic drugs.
The health authority says anyone who suspects an overdose has occurred should call 911 or their local health centre.
For those using drugs, the authority recommends never using alone, starting with small amounts over a long period of time, being within cell service for emergency calls, having naloxone nearby and not mixing drugs with alcohol or other substances.