Drug alert issued in Kelowna

Interior Health has issued a drug alert after identifying a substance with high fentanyl concentrations in Kelowna.

The health authority said the drug, which resembles black chunks and is sold as a “down” contains 60 to 65 per cent fentanyl.

The substance is also 20 to 25 per cent Bromazolam, a type of benzodiazepine that can negate the effectiveness of Naloxone.

IH stated the substance poses a very high risk of overdose and fatal overdoses.

The drug causes amnesia, sleepiness and nodding out for a long period of time, and smoking the substance is not safer than injecting.

Interior Health advises people have their drugs checked and tested, use around others or at an overdose prevention site, start with a small amount and do not mix with other substances including alcohol.

People are also encouraged to know how to use and to carry Naloxone, and to use the LifeGuard App.

The alert will remain in place until June 1.