Montreal public health warns of eight carfentanil deaths since April
The Direction régionale de santé publique confirmed eight fatal overdoses tied to carfentanil detected in fentanyl supply, urging residents to use naloxone and avoid using alone.
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Montreal's regional public health authority is warning residents after confirming eight fatal overdoses involving carfentanil since an overdose alert issued on April 9.
The deaths have been confirmed through laboratory testing, the Direction régionale de santé publique (DRSP) of Santé Québec Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal said Thursday. The number could rise because toxicology confirmation takes time.
Carfentanil is being regularly detected in mixtures sold as fentanyl, typically in the form of rocks of various colours. Those mixtures also contain other fentanyl analogues, medetomidine — a veterinary sedative — and in some cases benzodiazepines. Carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues are extremely toxic opioids that can be fatal even in very small amounts.
Public health officials are urging people not to use drugs alone and to make sure anyone with them has naloxone and knows how to use it. They also recommend using a smaller amount than usual. Naloxone should be administered when someone has difficulty breathing, is making snoring or gurgling sounds, is not breathing, or is difficult or impossible to wake.
People should call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected because hospital care may still be needed after naloxone is administered. The agency also encouraged people to use supervised consumption services and drug-checking services when available, though carfentanil may not always be detected through drug checking.
Canada's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protections for people who call 911 to report an overdose.
The facts
How many carfentanil deaths has Montreal confirmed?
Montreal's Direction régionale de santé publique has confirmed eight fatal overdoses involving carfentanil since an overdose alert issued on April 9, 2026, though the number could rise as toxicology confirmation takes time.
What substances are mixed with carfentanil in Montreal's fentanyl supply?
Carfentanil is being detected in mixtures sold as fentanyl alongside other fentanyl analogues, medetomidine (a veterinary sedative), and in some cases benzodiazepines, typically in the form of rocks of various colours.
What should someone do if they suspect an overdose?
Call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected because hospital care may still be needed after naloxone is administered. Naloxone should be given when someone has difficulty breathing, is making snoring or gurgling sounds, is not breathing, or is difficult or impossible to wake.
