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Alberta RCMP warns of deadly counterfeit pills after death of 16-year-old in Edmonton area

Alberta RCMP has issued a province-wide warning about a potentially deadly supply of illegal opiates disguised as the anti-anxiety medication Xanax, after the death of a 16-year-old male in the Edmonton area. The teen's death is under investigation, and while the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will ultimately determine the cause, RCMP said the circumstances surrounding the case prompted the force to act swiftly. 'Some of this substance was located with the deceased,' said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, acting Alberta RCMP media relations manager. 'It's enough for RCMP to strongly believe that this was a strong potential cause of the death, and it's enough for us to have concern, to want to immediately communicate our concern.' RCMP believe the counterfeit pill involved in the teen's death was obtained in Edmonton, and that the drug 'could very quickly make its way across the province.' According to RCMP, the counterfeit pills mimic the appearance of Xanax but are grey instead of white, and they contain isotonitazene, a highly potent synthetic opioid which Savinkoff noted as 'a great concern' because it's 'very easy to overdose and cause death.' The pills are rectangular, have the word ONAX stamped on one side, and a vertical '2' on the other. Savinkoff said the public alert was necessary to prevent further harm. 'Parents, relatives, and other community members need to share this information as much as possible, and especially so now that school is out,' he said. The Alberta RCMP is urging the public to avoid taking any medication not prescribed by a licensed pharmacist. 'It's a given that drugs should not be obtained if you don't have a prescription. Drugs are illegal for a reason. They're dangerous,' Savinkoff said. 'And if you don't have a prescription and you don't know where the drug came from, there's always going to be risk.' Anyone who comes across pills matching the description or has information about replica prescriptions is asked to contact local police or call 310-RCMP. cnguyen@ Related Alberta Sheriffs shut down long-term drug house in south Edmonton Two arrested, $22,000 in illegal drugs seized after traffic stop: EPS You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post, and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun