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December 17, 2020 - 9:32 AM
Interior Health is warning Kamloops illicit drug users about a toxic supply of heroin that is laced with benzodiazepines and fentanyl.
A drug alert was issued Dec. 16 by the health authority and remains in effect until Dec. 23.
The health authority is describing the drug as a "purple chunky substance" being sold as heroin, but it contains benzodiazepines and fentanyl.
There is a high risk of overdose with prolonged sedation for users, who may not respond to naloxone, according to the health authority.
To reduce the risk of overdose, Interior Health recommends users to get their drugs checked, avoid using different drugs at the same time, avoid taking drugs with alcohol, don't use alone or ask someone to check on them, or if users are alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which connects individuals to 9-1-1 and emergency responders.
The health authority also asks users to use an overdose prevention site and use substances in a small amount to avoid overdose.
For more information visit the health authority's alert.
Overdose deaths in the last few months have surged in Kamloops and other parts of the Interior Health Authority.
READ MORE: Kamloops and Kelowna overdose death tolls continue surge
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