8 carfentanil-related overdose deaths confirmed in Montreal; public health authority urges caution
Officials say naloxone use has surged 25-fold this year as carfentanil is found in fentanyl mixtures and overdose deaths rise.
- Montreal's regional public health authority, the DRSP, warned of rising overdoses, confirming eight fatal cases linked to carfentanil since April 9.
- Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl, is being detected in mixtures sold as fentanyl, often containing medetomidine and benzodiazepines.
- David Kaiser, assistant medical director with the DRSP, noted that Urgences-santé paramedics have administered naloxone 925 times this year, 25 times more than throughout 2025.
- Officials urge people to avoid using drugs alone, carry naloxone, and call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected, citing legal protections under Canada's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.
- Extreme heat during summer months increases overdose risks, Kaiser noted, with people experiencing homelessness facing additional danger when they lack shelter for respite.
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TVA Nouvelles
Le Journal de MontrealThe Direction régionale de santé publique is due to launch on Thursday a call for vigilance in the face of an increase in overdoses in Montreal.
The Toronto Star
Montreal public health warns of rise in overdoses linked to fentanyl and carfentanil
MONTRÉAL - Montreal's regional public health department is sounding the alarm over a significant rise in overdoses linked to fentanyl use, as well as several fatal overdoses involving carfentanil.
A total of 22 people died of an overdose in Montreal in June and 11 in July, according to public health.
MONTREAL — The Montreal Regional Directorate of Public Health issued an alert on Thursday to warn the population against a significant increase in overdoses associated with the consumption of fentanyl and fatal overdoses involving carfentanil. One of the indicators to know if the number of overdoses in a city is increasing is [...]
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