Home / Health / Toxic Drug Alert: Sedative Linked to Overdoses in B.C. Interior
Toxic Drug Alert: Sedative Linked to Overdoses in B.C. Interior
26 Jan
Summary
- Alert issued for Nelson, Trail, and surrounding areas due to toxic drugs.
- Drug suspected to be medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer.
- Medetomidine does not respond to naloxone, posing new overdose risks.
Interior Health has issued a toxic drug overdose alert for Nelson, Trail, and nearby areas, effective until the end of January. This warning was prompted by service agencies observing severe impairment among drug users.
Community partners reported individuals passing out and exhibiting confusion. The substance suspected is medetomidine, a powerful veterinary tranquilizer recently identified in the local drug supply. This drug is reportedly widespread across the interior region.
Medetomidine poses a heightened risk because it does not respond to naloxone. However, health officials emphasize that naloxone kits should still be administered, as the drug may be mixed with other substances like opioids that do respond to it.
While no deaths have been officially confirmed by the B.C. Coroners Service, investigations are underway to determine if any recent fatalities are linked to this toxic drug. The province has been grappling with a public health emergency related to drug overdoses since 2016.
