Contaminated drugs found in illicit supply across Thompson Okanagan

Powder drugs users are being warned the drug supply has been contaminated in Kamloops, Vernon and Penticton.

In Kamloops there is meth being sold as ketamine. The meth – rainy, white, crystalline powder – looks similar to ketamine, according to a drug alert issued by Interior Health.

The health authority is warning the drug will have the opposite of the expected effect and will keep users awake for a long period of time.

The warning remains in effect until Nov. 9.

In Vernon, Interior Health reported benzodiazepine and extremely large amounts of fentanyl are being sold as fentanyl, also known as “down." It presents an extremely high risk of overdose and appears as a beige crystal.

READ MORE: 194 deaths in Interior Health in first 7 months this year as overdose crisis continues

In Penticton, a cocktail of Clonazolam (benzodiazepine), fentanyl and meth is being sold as crystal meth.

There has been a report of it inducing psychosis, sweating and fear, and it presents a risk of overdose. It looks like a white powder.

The warnings in Penticton and Vernon will be lifted on Nov. 10.

Anyone can find a place to get their drugs checked at drugchecking.ca.
 

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