The substances that pose a very high risk of overdose and were the subject of a drug alert. (Image Credit: Interior Health)

By Liam Verster

Drug Alert

Interior-wide alert issued for substance that poses very high risk of overdose

Feb 11, 2026 | 2:53 PM

A drug alert has been issued for the entire Interior, including the North Okanagan.

Interior Health said a substance found in the region that comes in multiple colours and could be either chunks, pebbles or powder, was being sold as down, dope, tranq, or fentanyl.

However, testing shows these substances also contain fentanyl; fluorofentanyl; carfentanil, which can be 100 times more potent than fentanyl; medetomidine; and the following benzodiazapines, bromazolam, desalkylgidazepam, phenazolam, and ethylbromazolam.

The substances that pose a very high risk of overdose and were the subject of a drug alert (Image Credit: Interior Health)

The health authority warned benzodiazepines can lead to significant sedation and negate the effectiveness of Naloxone. It also stated that medetomidine can cause breathing and heart rates to slow down.

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Interior Health said the combination of substances can pose a very high risk of overdose, as well as dizziness, confusion, falls, nausea, amnesia, and nodding off for a long time.

People were advised to have their drugs tested, to use at a Safe Consumption Site, to never mix with other substances including alcohol, and to carry and know how to use Naloxone.