Interior Health (IH) is warning the public of an increased risk of toxic drugs in the Kamloops area.
On Friday, July 25, IH put out a bulletin warning the community that multiple samples of drugs taken from the Kamloops area have tested positive for fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. IH said there is a high risk that these drugs will cause an overdose if taken.
According to IH, drugs sold as down, dope and fentanyl have tested positive for carfentanil (1.2 per cent), fentanyl (21-50 per cent), and/or fluorofentanyl (21-50 per cent). IH noted that carfentanil is up to 100 times stronger than fentanyl, while fluorofentanyl is up to two times stronger. The average concentration of fentanyl in the drugs is six per cent and seven per cent for flurofentanyl.
If you are taking drugs that you think may be tainted, IH recommends bringing them to ASK Wellness' back entrance at 433 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, to get them tested. Ask Wellness can be contacted via 250-299-7219.
IH also recommends you carry Naloxone and know how to use it, use it around others when possible, take small doses of the drug and avoid mixing it with other drugs, including alcohol. Users can also get the LifeGuard App at lifeguarddh.com or call 211 or visit bc211.ca to find services near you.
This alert is in effect until Friday, Aug. 1.
