***Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory - Greater Victoria - Feb 6, 2026***

Drug poisonings are increasing in Greater Victoria. Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk.

For more information on harm reduction supports visit Overdose Prevention Services.

Click here for a printable version of the poster.

***Drug Alert - Vancouver - Feb 6, 2026***

VCH has issued a drug alert.

Pink chunk sold as down in Powell River tested positive for fentanyl, etizolam, a benzo analogue and medetomidine, a non-opioid tranquilizer. May cause overdose, low heart rate and prolonged sedation.

Get your drugs checked in the qathet region: https://www.qcat.ca/check-your-drugs

***Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory - Nanaimo - Feb 4, 2026***

Drug poisonings are increasing in Nanaimo. Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk.

For more information on harm reduction supports visit Overdose Prevention Services.

Click here for a printable version of the poster.

***Drug Alert - Penticton - Feb 3, 2026***

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for PENTICTON after multiple samples being sold as “Down” and “Tranq” were found to contain very high amounts of Medetomidine (up to 21%) in addition to fluorofentanyl and benzodiazepines. 

BCCDC has also recently issued a province-wide drug alert due to  an increase in overdoses. The alert reports that opioids/down now often contain the sedative medetomidine.

Medetomidine

• Medetomidine causes deep, prolonged sedation, respiratory depression, slowed heart rate (bradycardia), confusion, and hypothermia.
• It does not respond to naloxone, although naloxone should still be administered when opioid involvement is suspected.
• When combined with opioids or other sedatives, medetomidine can lead to complex and prolonged toxicity, with withdrawal that may be severe and difficult to treat. 

Resources for responding to medetomidine overdose

• Medetomidine info sheet
• Prolonged Sedation Response
• Responding to low heart rate
• December 2025 – Down Supply Update – Interior Health Drug Checking

Please ensure your clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community.   

Please see attached poster for more information.

 

Service Provider Information 

Local Substance Use Services: 310-MHSU

Penticton Drug Checking: 250-328-9619

 

Virtual Addiction Medicine Clinic (VAM) 

Our Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) clinic offers a full range of opioid agonist treatment (OAT), including buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone®), methadone, and slow-release oral morphine (SROM / Kadian®). 

How VAM works: 

• Our team works with you to assess your individual needs, develop a treatment plan, and help you achieve your goals 

• The VAM clinic is virtual, meaning your appointments will take place over the phone no matter where you are in the Interior Health region 

• The VAM clinic does not provide long-term care. Once you are comfortable with how your treatment is going, we will help you find health services in your community 

• If you need help managing prescribed safer supply or alternatives, supervised consumption, overdose prevention, supervised withdrawal from alcohol, or counselling, please contact your nearest Interior Health Mental Health and Substance Use centre at 310-MHSU (6478).  

• Click here to request an appointment.   

 

No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose 

• Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl test strips or accessing drug checking services in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs. Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca 

• Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone. Find out where to get naloxone on the ‘Towards the Heart’ website, under ‘Find a site’. 

• When using substances: 

o    Use with others around 

o    Use one person at a time so someone can respond to overdose if needed 

o    When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow. 

o    Know the risks when mixing drugs  

o    Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs 

o    If using alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.   

BCCDC is issuing a province-wide alert because of an increase in drug poisonings.

Opioids/down now often contain the sedative medetomidine.

Watch for sedation, low heart rate. Use drug checking. Use at an OPS/SCS or with a buddy.

Learn more: Medetomidine Advisory Poster