"Public Health Alert: Potent New Opioid Surfaces in Quebec, 25 Times Stronger Than Fentanyl"

Public health officials in Quebec have detected a synthetic opioid, protonitazepyne, 25 times more potent than fentanyl, in pale green tablets resembling prescription opioids, posing a high risk of overdose and not detectable by fentanyl test strips. The substance has been found in the Quebec City and Montreal areas, with no linked overdoses yet, but officials warn of its significant threat and advise drug users to avoid consuming substances alone and keep naloxone nearby, as the medication is available for free at pharmacies.