Overdose alert issued for Prince George as new illicit drug appears

Northern Health has issued a public health alert about a new drug that has been making the rounds on the streets of Prince George.

The substance is reported to look dark purple, it’s sold as a “downer or fentanyl”, and turns black when it is cooked.

According to Nancy Dhaliwal with Northern Health, Prince George is one of the only locations where the substance has been found.

“Right now we’re only hearing about it around Prince George but we put a release out because it might be surfacing elsewhere as well and we’re trying to stay ahead of it,” she noted.

It may be referred to as “fire” and is highly toxic.

Northern Health has listed some safety measures for those who may run into the drug:

• Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone
• Don’t use alone. Tell a buddy who can call for help if needed
• If you use alone, the Lifeguard or BeSafe app is available
• Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less
• Don’t mix drugs, or mix with alcohol
• Test a small amount first and go slow
• Use in an OPS if possible
• Access fentanyl drug checking where available
• Call 911 or your local emergency number right away

Prince George has two overdose prevention sites available, The Needle Exchange and Two Doors Down.