Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority are warning residents about highly toxic substances circulating in Prince George and Quesnel following an increase in overdoses in both communities.
A toxic drug alert was issued for Prince George on May 26 after reports of a yellow-orange substance being sold as “down.” Health officials say substances of all colours and textures should be considered potentially dangerous, as multiple toxic drugs are currently circulating in the community.
According to the alert, the substances are causing heavy and prolonged sedation and may require additional naloxone to reverse an overdose. Overdoses have been reported among people smoking and injecting drugs.
Three days later, health officials issued an overdose advisory for Quesnel following an increase in overdose events. Similar to Prince George, authorities say highly toxic substances in the community are causing severe sedation and require more naloxone than usual during overdose responses.
Health officials are urging people who use drugs to take extra precautions, including carrying naloxone, avoiding using alone, testing a small amount first and accessing drug-checking services where available.
In Prince George, overdose prevention and harm-reduction services are available through the Needle Exchange on George Street and Two Doors Down on Third Avenue. In Quesnel, supports are available through Quesnel Specialized Services and the Northern Peer Connections Van.
Anyone witnessing an overdose is urged to call 911 immediately.
The Prince George toxic drug alert remains in effect until June 9, while the overdose advisory for Quesnel is scheduled to remain in place until June 12.
