Image Credit: Interior Health

By James Peters

Drug Alert

Interior Health issues alert for purple substance sold on Kamloops streets

Oct 1, 2025 | 1:09 PM

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health (IH) has issued a drug alert for Kamloops, saying a substance being sold on the street brings a high risk of overdose.

The alert issued Wednesday (Oct. 1) names a substance sold as ‘down’, ‘dope’ or ‘fentanyl’. It appears as purple chunks or pebbles.

IH says when it is tested, the substance is found to contain 31 per cent fluorofentanyl and 3 per cent medetomidine.

Medetomidine is considered a non-opioid tranquilizer similar to xylazine, but up to 200 times stronger.

The combination of the two substances can lead to significant sedation, according to IH, and the user may not initially respond to naloxone.

1000 WAYS TO HEAL

1000 WAYS TO HEAL: Honouring Our Ancestors

6h ago

LOOPED IN

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 18, 2025

6h ago

Question of the Week

Have you ever used a designated driver service?

7h ago

The alert will remain in effect for one week, until October 8.

Those who use recreational drugs are urged to have their substances tested and to never use alone.

More information can be found here.