A drug alert has been issued for a substance sold as crack in Vernon despite not containing any cocaine (photo courtesy of Interior Health)

By Liam Verster

No Cocaine Content

Drug sold as crack related to non-fatal toxicity events in Vernon

Mar 31, 2023 | 1:42 PM

An alert has been issued for a misrepresented drug in Vernon.

Interior Health states a substance sold as crack cocaine has been linked to multiple, non-fatal drug toxicity events.

Despite being sold as crack, the substance does not actually contain cocaine freebase.

The drug, described as light green rocks or chunks, has been found to contain 20 to 35 per cent Fentanyl, five to 10 per cent Bromazolam (Benzodiazepine) and Xylazine.

The health authority said the drug poses a high risk of fatal overdose as it can cause amnesia, sleepiness and nodding out. Due to the Benzodiazepine content, overdoses may not respond to Naloxone.

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The alert will remain in effect until April 6.

Interior Health advises people have their drugs checked before consuming, to use at an Overdose Prevention Site, and to start with a small amount.