Northern Health issues Toxic Drug Alert for Prince George

Prince George has been placed under a Toxic Drug Alert by Northern Health.

They said in a news release a brown drug being sold as fentanyl and a purple drug sold as “down” have been linked to an increase in overdoses.

The purple drug has tested positive for benzos and xylazine, with both drugs causing rapid, heavy and prolonged sedation, with overdoses occurring when smoked and/or injected.

Safety tips provided by Northern Health include:

• Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone.
• Try not to use alone. Make a plan and tell a trusted person who can call for help if needed.
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard or BeSafe app, the Toward the Heart website, or call NORS (National Overdose Response Service) at 1-888-688-6677.
• Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less.
• When possible, avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol.
• Test a small amount first, start low and go slow.
• Use in an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), see below for hours.
• Get your drugs checked at Two Doors Down.
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.

Local supports and overdose prevention sites include:

• Prince George Harm Reduction Clinic (needle exchange)
  Address: 277 George St, Prince George, BC V2L 1R1
  Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 11:30 am, and 1:15 pm – 6:30 pm
• Mobile harm reduction supplies (The wellness or outreach truck)
  Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 pm – 11:30 pm
• Two Doors Down
  Address: 1126 3rd Ave, Prince George, BC
  Drug Checking: Wednesday to Saturday, 1 pm – 5 pm

The alert is set to expire on December 6th.

More information about the alert can be found on Northern Health’s website here.