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The substance found in Vernon poses a high overdose risk (photo courtesy of Interior Health)
By Liam Verster
Drug Alert

Toxic drug warning issued in Vernon

May 1, 2025 | 8:56 AM

Health officials are warning of a toxic substance found in Vernon.

Interior Health (IH) issued a drug alert after testing found a beige and red substance being sold as ‘down’ or ‘dope’ contains Medetomidine.

Medetomidine is a powerful non-opioid tranquilizer and does not respond to Naloxone, posing risk of long-lasting overdose symptoms, including supressed respiration and dangerous cardiovascular effects.

The health authority added the substance also contains Fentanyl and Xylazine, another, less-potent tranquilizer.

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What Matters

Pay
Vernon's mayor and council pay going up as originally planned
9h ago
Official Community Plan
Vernon's new OCP officially adopted
9h ago
Shopping Interruption
Vernon's mall evacuated after fire alarm pulled
10h ago
Highway alerts
Two orange rainfall warnings issued as heavy rain threatens southern B.C. highways
14h ago
Missing Snowmobilers
Three sledders, two whom were missing for days, rescued from Hunters Range area
15h ago