Province-wide alert issued after opioids found in replica pill that killed teenager

RCMP are concerned that a potentially deadly supply of opiates are being made to look like Xanax.

Alberta RCMP issued a province-wide alert on Friday afternoon, after a 16-year-old died from taking what they believed to be the anti-anxiety prescription medication. 

This “deadly supply” of opiates in these pills made to look very similar to Xanax

The replica pills (shown in photos) have tested positive for deadly quantities of the highly potent opioid known as isotonitazene.

“We are investigating the death of a 16-year-old youth where there is a nexus to isotonitazene. Parents, relatives, and other community members need to share this information as much as possible, and especially so now that school is out,” says RCMP Public Information Officer Cpl. Troy Savinkoff.

“Yes, the drugs are illegal, but more important is that the public knows the extreme danger that this dangerous replica can pose. We are working to interdict the supply and notify the public. Please look at the photos, share them with your kids, friends, and relatives, and let them know that these pills could kill them”.

The pills containing the opiate are described as:

• Grey in appearance;
• Rectangular shaped;
• Have the letters ONAX imprinted on one side;
• Have the number “2” printed vertically on the other side.

Prescriptions should only be purchased from a reputable licensed pharmacist.

If you have information about replica prescriptions, please contact your local police or call 310-RCMP.