**Drug Alert - Smithers - Dec 8, 2025**

Northern Health and FNHA are issuing a Drug Alert for the community of Smithers. A dark blue drug sold as “down” has been reported to be much stronger than expected and has highly sedative effects that last for extended periods of time. This is occurring whether smoked or injected.

Click here for a poster with more information. 

Additional information here: 

https://stories.northernhealth.ca/news/toxic-drug-alert-smithers-0

https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/overdose-prevention

Be cautious when using substances and follow the safety tips below:
• Get training to prevent, recognize, and respond to an overdose; carry naloxone
• Don’t use alone. Make a plan and use with a trusted person who can call for help if needed.
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website (https://towardtheheart.com) or call NORS (National Overdose Response Service) 1-888-688-6677 (NORS).
• 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 drugs with alcohol.
• Test a small amount first and go slow.
• Use in an OPS if possible.
• Access fentanyl drug checking where available (OPS sites).
• Call 911 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.

Local supports
• Smithers Specialized MHSU Outreach Address: 3862 A Broadway Ave, Smithers, BC Hours: 8:30 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week Phone: 250-643-7456, contact for drug checking, sample collection and harm reduction drops.
• Terrace Specialized MHSU Outreach Address: 101-4450 Grieg Ave, Terrace, BC
Drug checking hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm Sample collection hours: 8:30 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week

**Overdose Advisory - Prince Rupert - Dec 4, 2025**

There has been an increase in overdose events in the community of Prince Rupert. Overdoses are happening whether the substance is smoked and/or injected.

Click here for a poster. 

More info here:

https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/overdose-prevention

https://stories.northernhealth.ca/news/overdose-advisory-prince-rupert

Be cautious when using substances and follow the safety tips below:

• Get training to prevent, recognize, and respond to an overdose; carry naloxone.
• Don't use alone, make a plan and use with a trusted person who can call for help if needed.
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website or call NORS (National Overdose Response Service) 1-888-688-6677 (NORS).
• 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 drugs with alcohol.
• Test a small amount first and go slow.
• Use in an OPS if possible.
• Access fentanyl drug checking where available (OPS sites).
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.

Local Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS)

• Prince Rupert Specialized MHSU Outreach
  Hours: 8:30 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week
  Phone: 778-884-0262, contact for drug checking, sample collection and harm reduction drops.
• Drug checking (Terrace)
  Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm
• Sample collection (Terrace)
  Hours: 8:30 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week

***Drug Alert - Powell River - December 2, 2025***

VCH has issued a drug alert.

Red chunk sold as down in Powell River tested positive for fentanyl, benzos and medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer more toxic than xylazine. May cause low heart rate and prolonged sedation.

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

VCH has issued a drug alert.

Purple chunk sold as down in Squamish tested positive for fentanyl, carfentanil, benzos and medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer more toxic than xylazine. May cause low heart rate and prolonged sedation.

 Check your drugs: https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking

***Toxic Drug Advisory - Fraser Health Region - Nov 28, 2025***

Medetomidine is increasingly being detected in the unregulated opioid supply across Fraser Health communities.

Medetomidine is a potent non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine. It is similar to xylazine ("tranq") but approximately 200 times more potent. Naloxone does not reverse the effects of medetomidine. It should still always be administered in suspected opioid poisonings. Be prepared for prolonged sedation and the need for continuous airway support and monitoring. Medetomidine withdrawal can lead to severe symptoms, most notably a rapid heart rate and dangerously high blood pressure.

Friends, family, and community members using unregulated substances may face increased harms of unknowingly taking different substances than intended.

See poster here for more details.