(Image Credit: Interior Health Authority)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

DRUG CONTAMINATION ALERT

Interior Health issues alert over contaminated drug supply

Dec 5, 2019 | 3:29 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Interior Health Authority has issued a warning for drug users around a toxic drug supply.

In the alert statement issued today (Dec. 5), IHA says it has detected “Light Purple Down contaminated with AMB-FUB (Synthetic Cannabinoid) with Fentanyl”.

‘Down’ is the street reference for an unknown opioid, and an IHA spokesperson says AMB-FUB is the chemical reference for a specific type of synthetic cannabinoid that was found in the down sample that was tested.

Interior Health says there have been recent reports of the light purple fentanyl with toxic levels of fentanyl causing increased overdoses and producing high levels of sedation (lots of nodding).

There have also been reported incidents of the light purple fentanyl producing an increased heart rate, heavy sweating and auditory and visual hallucinations in users.

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The health authority recommends that if people are going to use drugs, that they:

– Avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together.

– Don’t use alone. Leave door unlocked. Tell someone to check on you.

– Test by using a small amount, then go slow.

– Carry a Naloxone kit and know how to use it.

– Use at an overdose prevention or supervised consumption site if one is near you.

Sites in Kamloops can be found at 433 Tranquille Rd from Tuesday through Friday at 12:00pm-3:30pm, and at 569 Seymour St. Tuesday through Friday from 4:00pm – 7:30pm & Saturdays from 11:30am- 7:30pm.

If an overdose does occur, IHA asks that people call 9-1-1 immediately, and give naloxone (Narcan) if available.

The alert is in effect starting today (Dec. 5), until next Thursday (Dec. 12).

(Image Credit: Interior Health Authority)