An illicit drug which is about ten times more potent than fentanyl has been seized in this province for the first time – prompting a warning from RCMP.

The dangerous synthetic opioid, commonly known as cychlorphine (N-Propionitrile chlorphine), was seized by RCMP in Happy Valley-Goose Bay last month. Laboratory testing has confirmed that the pills are cychlorphine.

They resemble the medication known as Dilaudid, which is prescribed for pain management.

There are no obvious differences between the fake pills and authentic prescription pills. In most cases, RCMP say it’s not possible to tell which is which.

The cyclorphine can be fatal even in small doses, and even for frequent drug users. It is believed that an overdose can be reversed by naloxone, but several doses over time may be required.

RCMP are urging the public to call 911 when an overdose occurs to allow first responders to intervene and help save lives.