General News

Health Unit issues warning about unregulated drug supply

August 14, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Drug-related deaths have spiked in the region, and the Health Unit is asking the public to be vigilant.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a warning about a danger in the unregulated drug supply in the region.

The warning stated, “There appears to be a more toxic substance circulating in the local unregulated supply across Simcoe and Muskoka, causing extreme sedation and a risk of stopping breathing.”

Details of the substance are not available, but it is believed to be a form of fentanyl and/or fentanyl analogues with animal tranquillizers and/or benzodiazepines added to it.

The substance has been referred to locally as ‘red down’.

There have been a higher-than-usual number of suspected drug-related deaths across the region in recent days. The substance in those deaths is not known.

Of particular concern is the unpredictable strength of the unregulated (illegal) drug supply available in Simcoe–Muskoka. This supply can contain fentanyl, carfentanil and other substances, making the street supply much more dangerous.

A very small amount of fentanyl or fentanyl analogues can lead to an overdose/poisoning and possible death.

People who are using unregulated drugs should be aware of the signs of drug poisoning.

This includes a person who can’t be woken and breathing is slow or has stopped. A person is making snoring or gurgling sounds. Fingernails and lips have turned blue, purple, or grey. A person’s body is limp.

Pupils are tiny or their eyes are rolled back.

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, call 911. 

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