A local community outreach group is hoping to educate members of the public on a new illicit drug that is now circulating in Chatham-Kent.
R.O.C.K Missions is hosting an information session on November 22 to highlight its concerns regarding the drug Xylazine, also known as Tranq.
Xylazine is a non-opioid veterinary tranquillizer that is not approved for use by humans. Side effects of the drug include heavy sedation and alarming open wounds. As well, because Xylazine is not an opioid it does not respond to Narcan/Naloxone.
According to Health Canada, law enforcement agencies saw an increase in Xylazine appearing in street drugs beginning in 2019. The majority of samples seized were typically mixed with fentanyl.
The information session runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chatham Cultural Centre. Tickets for the event are free or by donation and are available online by clicking here.
Healthcare workers, pharmacists, first responders, and outreach teams are encouraged to attend the upcoming information session, however, all members of the public are welcome.