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By Liam Verster
Interior Health

Vernon alert issued for fentanyl sold as crack cocaine

Jun 27, 2023 | 4:45 PM

Interior Health has issued a drug alert after detecting fentanyl in substances found in Vernon.

The health authority said testing of the light purple substance sold as crack or crack cocaine shows it contained fentanyl analogues, which poses a high risk of overdoses and fatal overdoses.

The substance also contained benzodiazapines, which can negate the effectiveness of Naloxone and increase the risk fo a fatal overdose.

IH issued the alert Tuesday, June 27, and it will remain in place until July 4.

People who use drugs are advised to have their substances checked, to use at an overdose prevention site, to start with a small amount and space out doses, and to not mix with other substances.

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by Liam Verster
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