(Interior Health).

By Aaron Schulze

Toxic Drug Alert

Interior Health issues toxic drug alert for Merritt

May 6, 2022 | 6:07 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — Interior Health issued a toxic drug alert for Merritt on Thursday (May 5).

The alert notes the substance, that looks like a light, yellow, and chalky, is sold as down and fentanyl. It contains benzodiazepines and 25 to 30 per cent fentanyl.

Interior Health says the overdose and fatality risk is high, and long periods of sleep and drowsiness is likely.

The alert is in effect until May 12. It’s the first toxic drug alert that affects the Merritt area since the Interior Health-wide alert on Feb. 16, and the first toxic alert for Merritt specifically since Feb. 11.

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Removing bathroom doors at Barriere Secondary increases safety concerns

Apr 02, 2026

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: April 2, 2026

Apr 02, 2026

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Kamloops deserves the full story

Apr 01, 2026

Interior Health says any residents who use drugs should be wary and take precautions, such as using with others or at an overdose prevention site.