Drug Checking Services
Important Notice: Our drug checking services are temporarily unavailable due to necessary vehicle repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience and will resume service as soon as possible. Stay tuned for updates!
What is Drug Checking? Drug checking is a harm reduction service that helps people find out what’s in their substances before using them. It can detect harmful contaminants and unexpected ingredients, helping people make safer choices.
Drug Checking at NorWest CHC? We offer fast and easy drug checking using advanced technology:
- On-site testing with Amplifi ID: This device uses Raman laser technology to scan substances. Results ready in just 10 minutes!
- Trace Scans: Only a tiny sample is needed to check for dangerous contaminants like fentanyl, benzodiazepines, xylazine, and more.
- Bulk Scans: No sample needed! The laser can scan through a clear bag to detect what’s in the bulk of the substance. The full amount is returned to the individual.
- Take-home test kits: These test strips can detect fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and xylazine. They’re easy to use and support safer use where ever you are.
When and where can I access this? Drug checking will be accessible on our Mobile Outreach Van. Please stay tuned on our social media for more information!
Why is Drug Checking Important?
The local drug supply is often unpredictable and may contain harmful substances that aren’t expected. This increases the risk of serious harm or overdose.
Drug checking helps people know what’s really in their drugs so they can make safer choices. It can also offer peace of mind to friends and family who care about someone who uses drugs.
The information collected through drug checking helps service providers and emergency responders understand what’s in the local drug supply, so they can respond more effectively and support people who use drugs.

Other Resources
The Following Drugs & Cutting Agents Have Been Identified Within Thunder Bay
- 4-AcO-DET 1
- 4ANPP 1
- Acetylfentanyl 1
- Baking Soda 1
- benzocaine
- Benzodiazepine
- Bromazolam 1
- Caffeine 1
- Carfentanil 1
- Cellulose
- Cocaine 1
- Erythritol
- Fentanyl 1
- Flualprazolam 1
- Flubromazepam
- Fluorofentanyl 1
- Heroin 1
- Hydromorphone
- Isotonitazene 1
- Ketamine 1
- Levamisole 1
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Mannitol 1
- MDMA
- Medetomidine
- Methamphetamine
- Metonitazene 1
- MSM 1
- Oxycodone 1
- Phenacetin 1
- Xylazine 1
Summaries of Monthly Results
Drug Checking Vehicle Schedule
Our Drug Checking Vehicle operates Monday-Friday from 10:00AM-6:00PM. See below for where you can find our vehicle throughout the city:
Monday
- Morning: Lincoln Building
- Afternoon: PACE
Tuesday
- Morning: Shelter House/ Kam Horseshoe
- Afternoon: Andras Court
Wednesday
- Morning: Elevate
- Afternoon: Freedom Park
Thursday
- Morning: Shelter House/ Kam Horseshoe
- Afternoon: Andras Court
Friday
- Morning: PACE
- Afternoon: Cumberland & Park Street
Need more info?
Please contact us at info@norwestchc.org or call 807-630-8631