Interior Health issues alert for tainted drugs in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health has issued an alert for tainted drugs that have been found in Kamloops.

The substance comes in the form of brown granules. It is sold as down, dope or fentanyl.

IH says tests have indicated the substance contains anywhere from 17-to-23 per cent fentanyl, 20-to-25 per cent bromazolam caffeine — a designer benzodiazepene— as well as magnesium sulfate.

People who use the substance are at very high risk of overdose and death. They may also experience amnesia, sleepiness or nodding out for a long period of time.

Those who overdose may not respond to naloxone, and IH says smoking the substance is not safer than injecting.

Those who use street drugs are advised to have their substances tested and to never use alone.

The alert is in effect until July 5.