Regina police are warning about the presence of Xylazine in the city.

A tested substance sold as fentanyl was found to contain both fentanyl and Xylazine, a combination they say presents a heightened risk of overdose and death.

Xylazine is a tranquilizer used in veterinary medicine and it’s sedative effects can’t be reversed by naloxone.

Police say it is believed this substance originated from a larger batch which is likely to be circulating in Regina.

The substance that was tested is described as being purple in colour. Testing was done at the Newo Yotina Friendship Centre.

Police remind people that the good Samaritan drug overdose act allows suspected overdoses to be reported without charges for possession of a controlled substance when they call 9-1-1 for help.