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Multiple fatal overdoses connected to contaminated cocaine in Interior Health region

A drug alert warning of high risk of fatal overdose was issued on April 13
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Cocaine cut with fentanyl has been connected to multiple overdose incidents including multiple fatalities in the Interior Health region. (IH)

Multiple fatal overdoses have been connected to toxic cocaine across the entire Interior Health region.

The health authority issued a warning on April 13 that the cocaine has been cut with fentanyl.

The drugs are believed to have been connected to multiple overdoses and fatalities across the region.

The cocaine appears in a white powder form, but contains fentanyl and carries a high risk of fatal overdose, amnesia, sleepiness, and nodding out for long periods of time according to IH.

The IH-wide alert comes two weeks after an alert was issued for a similar drug, crack cocaine, being sold and contaminated with fentanyl in Vernon. Those drugs however were contaminated with additional substances.

To reduce the risk of overdose, Interior Health has made several suggestions:

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Get your drugs checked before use, which can be done at ASK Wellness in Penticton, and at other locations listed at www.drugchecking.ca.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ DonÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t use alone or ask someone to check on you

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ If using with others, take turns in order to help if necessary

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Start with a small amount and work up

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Use at an overdose prevention site

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Know how to respond to overdose

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ If you must use while alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Brennan Phillips

About the Author: Brennan Phillips

Brennan was raised in the Okanagan and is thankful every day that he gets to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
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