A toxic drug alert has been issued in Vernon.
Interior Health issued the alert Wednesday afternoon for a substance sold as down that is actually undiluted fentanyl.
The health authority says there is an “extreme overdose risk” associated with this substance, a very high risk of fatal overdose, and multiple overdoses have already been reported.
The substance could easily be mistaken for other drugs including meth, ketamine and MDMA, Interior Health said.
Interior Health added that fentanyl is usually used in a diluted form and is too strong to use in an uncut state.
The substance looks like clear crystals, and Interior Health advises people to check any drugs resembling this substance before use. Drug checking locations can be found by visiting drugchecking.ca.
The health authority advises people to carry overdose-reversing naloxone and know how to use it, to be aware of risks if mixing substances including alcohol, to start with a small amount and space out doses, and to use with others or at an overdose prevention site.
Vernon’s overdose prevention site is the Interior Health-operated Vernon Downtown Mental Health and Substance Use clinic at 3306A 32nd Avenue.
Get the Lifeguard app to help prevent overdoses at lifeguarddh.com.
The drug alert is in effect until Feb. 21.
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