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Counterfeit Xanax found in Vernon was found to pose a high overdose risk (photo courtesy of Interior Health)
By Liam Verster
Drug Alert

Counterfeit Xanax found in Vernon poses high overdose risk

Jan 27, 2026 | 5:00 PM

A drug alert has been issued in relation to a pill being falsely sold as Xanax in Vernon.

Interior Health said the counterfeit Xanax tablet or bar contains Medetomidine, a very strong tranquilizer that can cause breathing and heart rate to slow down, leading to overdoses that are more complicated and last longer.

The substance could also cause dizziness, immobilization, confusion, nausea, amnesia, sleeping, and nodding out for a long time.

Interior Health advised people to have their drugs checked, to use at an Overdose Consumption Site, to not mix with other substances, and to carry and know how to use Naloxone.

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