Chatham-Kent Public Health is warning of a rise in drug poisonings and unexpected reactions to substances in the municipality.

Strong fentanyl mixed with Xylazine (commonly referred to as “tranq”) in the local drug supply is suspected to be contributing to this increased risk, officials stated in a Thursday release.

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Tranq increases the effects of opioids and can cause prolonged sedation as well as wound and skin issues.

“This serves as an important reminder that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and always changing,” officials said.

“Substances may not be what individuals expect, increasing the risk of harm or death.”

In early August, public health issued a similar warning about the drug supply.

According to the opioid surveillance report, there were 15

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