The GNWT has issued a public advisory against bromazolam, an unregulated street drug that can appear as a pink liquid.

Bromazolam is a synthetic benzodiazepine and not approved for medical use, the GNWT stated. It was first detected in the NWT in October, in the form of pink liquid. Health Canada apparently reported this to the chief public health officer on Nov. 15, according to the GWNT.

The territorial government also noted that Naloxone will not reverse the effects of bromazolam, but it can still help if opioids are involved. If someone has overdosed and been drug poisoned, the GNWT advises people to call 911 as well.

Common symptoms of bromazolam intoxication include excessive drowsiness, loss of balance and coordination, partial amnesia and difficulty following or participating in conversations.

The more severe symptoms, especially in high doses or when mixed with opioids, include prolonged sedation, loss of consciousness and serious troubles breathing.

The GNWT also reminded the public that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people involved in an overdose from being charged for possession of a controlled substance. The law encourages anyone to call 911 in case of an overdose.