Bromazolam found in Alberta for first time at scene of fatal overdose
A substance that was linked to a string of fatal overdoses in New Brunswick in 2022 has been found in Alberta for the first time, Mounties are warning the public.
Bromazolam, a type of benzodiazepine, was found mixed with fluorofentanyl in drugs that were seized by police at the scene of a suspected fatal overdose in Grande Prairie on Feb. 28.
Bromazolam was linked to nine fatal overdoses in New Brunswick in 2022.
The drug's effects – including sedation and hypnosis – cannot be reversed with naloxone. As such, naloxone is also less effective in a fentanyl overdose if the fentanyl is laced with Bromazolam.
Health Canada alerted Alberta RCMP on Tuesday about finding Bromazolam in the Grande Prairie seizure, prompting Mounties' warning.
The drugs seized in Grande Prairie were oval shaped and stamped with "20" and "SS," RCMP said, adding that it could come in other forms.
In 2023, the number of opioid-related deaths in Alberta rose 24 per cent over 2022 and benzodiazepine-related deaths by 32.5 per cent.
Of the 1,100 opioid-related calls RCMP received in 2023, 33.4 per cent were fatal. Mounties used naloxone 67 times, up 31 per cent from 2022.
Authorities in Ontario have also issued warnings this year about drugs containing Bromazolam and other fentanyl analogues.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.