Lambton Public Health and Sarnia Police are warning of a new opioid in the community that has an increased risk of overdosing.

In a news release, public health officials say “there is an increase in risk of overdose, linked to a newly detected substance” adding “additional doses of Naloxone may be required due to the lack of response to typical doses.”

Sarnia’s Deputy Police Chief Ron Hansen says Health Canada recently analyzed opioids seized by the department in February. The same showed the drug protodesnitazene. It is three time more potent than fentanyl and is not meant for human consumption according to biochemical maker Caymen Chemicals.

Once police received the alert from Health Canada, police notified public health which issued a warning Wednesday.

“This substance presents a serious danger to the community, as users may unknowingly consume drugs that are more potent than they realize.,” said Hansen in a news release, noting it poses a “significant risk.”

Public health officials say to reduce the risk of overdose, opioid users should not mix it with other drugs or alcohol, should not use it alone and should carry a Naloxone kit.

Free Naloxone kits are available from Lambton Public Health, local pharmacies, and Community Health Centres.

Officials say if you suspect an opioid overdose/toxicity call 9-1-1 and stay at the scene to provide information to the paramedics and administer Naloxone if you have it.