Interior Health has issued a toxic drug alert covering the entire region, following multiple fatal overdose events linked to one substance.
That substance is being sold as cocaine in white powder form, which is being laced with potentially lethal levels of fentanyl.
It is causing prolongued sedation, amnesia, sleepiness, and has a high risk of causing serious or fatal overdoses.
Users are advised to know their tolerance, start small and go slow, and to never use drugs alone or in combination with alcohol.
Residents who are planning to use should have their drugs tested at a safe testing site before consumption.
You can find a drug checking site near you by visiting drugchecking.ca, or calling 211.
Those who do plan to use alone should download the lifeguard app, through this link.
