The territory's chief public health officer is warning residents about a recent detection of a new and potentially dangerous drug combination in the NWT.

"Following a well-being check on a vehicle between Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells in mid-March, drug seizures tested positive for fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine," stated Dr. Kami Kandola in a news release about what happened. "In addition, desalkylgidazepam (a novel benzodiazepine) was detected in the fentanyl as an additional component."

A is a type of drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, often prescribed to reduce anxiety, help with sleep, or prevent seizures. It can also be used as both a tranquilizer and sedative.

"Mixing benzodiazepines with opioids such as fentanyl may cause the effects of the drug to last longer or to be more potent," the release explains, also noting naloxone will not be as effective in reducing harm.  

Street drugs containing opioids or benzodiazepines will not come with any no visible warning signs of their presence, added the release, and they also cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste.

Instead, benzodiazepine intoxication can be identified through its physical effects on the body, like causing extreme drowsiness, poor balance and memory problems..

"High doses of drugs mixed with benzodiazepines and opioids, such as fentanyl, increase the risk of overdose," stated the release, and it can also lead to death.

Desalkylgidazepam was first found in Canada in April 2022, but this is the first time desalkylgidazepam has been found in illicit drugs in the NWT, according to its government. Kandola is also warning NWT residents of an apparent spike in the presence of methamphetamine and larger quantities of fentanyl.

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or your . The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act also shields people involved in an overdose from being charged for possession of a controlled substance.