High Risk Substance Detected In Fentanyl Trafficking Investigation

The Sarnia Police Service continues to make drug enforcement a priority and as a result of a recent seizure police would like to advise the public of a high risk substance that was detected.

In February 2025, the Sarnia Police Service arrested two individuals for trafficking related offences (fentanyl).  The fentanyl and other offence related property was sent to Health Canada for analysis.  As a result, Health Canada recently notified the Sarnia Police Service that “protodesnitazene” was detected in one of the samples.

Protodesnitazene is part of the nitazene class of opioids and it is three time more potent than fentanyl.  The evidence analysis is ongoing and further information will be released as it becomes available from Health Canada.

Upon receipt of the Health Canada alert, the Sarnia Police Service immediately notified our community partner, the Lambton County Public Health Unit to ensure community safety and collective awareness.

The presence of protodesnitazene in a drug seizure presents a significant risk to public safety.

"This substance presents a serious danger to the community, as users may unknowingly consume drugs that are more potent than they realize.” – Deputy Chief Ron Hansen