Image credit: Interior Health
Drug Alerts

Two toxic drug alerts issued for Williams Lake

Dec 4, 2024 | 5:39 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — A pair of drug poisoning overdose alerts are in effect for the City of Williams Lake.

In a news release issued Tuesday (Dec. 3), Interior Health says two substances are being sold as down: a white powder substance containing a nitazene and no fentanyl and a green and yellow chunk substance that’s been associated with multiple overdoses.

The white powder is sold as dope, down and fentanyl, and it contains nitazene, benzodiazepine and caffeine and sugar as buffs. Interior Health says it has a very high overdose risk with multiple cases already reported. The health authority adds it will not be detected by fentanyl testing strips.

“This substance could easily be mistaken for other drugs like powdered cocaine or ketamine,” Interior Health states. “Nitazenes are opioids that vary in potency, often being similar or stronger than fentanyl.”

The green and yellow chunks are also sold as dope, down and fentanyl, and contain fentanyl, benzodiazepine and caffeine and sugar as buffs. It also contains fluorofentanyl. Interior Health says it also has a very high overdose risk with multiple cases already reported.

Residents in Williams Lake who use drugs can get them checked in the city by calling 250-305-4235 or searching online. They’re also asked to carry naloxone and know how to use it, and to never use drugs alone.

The alerts are in effect until Dec. 10.