Veterinary tranquilizer found in Windsor-Essex illegal drug supply linked to Ontario trend

A veterinary tranquilizer, medetomidine, is increasingly found in Windsor-Essex's illegal drug supply, posing significant risks. Intended for large animals, medetomidine is not approved for human use and can cause prolonged, heavy sedation. It does not respond to naloxone, as it is not an opioid. This drug is part of a province-wide trend, detected in 70% of Ontario fentanyl seizures in early 2026, and is mixed with fentanyl by organized crime to increase profits.