Drug users in Kelowna and Vernon should be extra careful this week

High concentrations of benzos and fentanyl have been found in recent samples of down, and Interior Health is putting users in Kelowna and Vernon on alert.

The concerning batch of heroin is 10 to 20% bromazolam – a strong benzo, and a high concentration of fentanyl, according to the alert, which remains in effect until Dec. 7.

“Both are higher than usual,” the warning says.

This particular down looks like light pink and white powder, and presents a high risk of causing fatal overdoses. Mixing with alcohol is particularly advised against.

“Focus on breathing if naloxone appears to not resolve overdose symptoms,” the health authority recommends.

Interior Health warns users that smoking drugs is not safer than injecting them, and that benzo overdoses can’t be reversed by naloxone.

“Start with a small amount and space out your doses.”


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Dan Walton

Before joining the ranks of InfoTel, Dan’s byline could be found in newspapers in Penticton, Peachland and Oliver. Prior to his arrival in the South Okanagan, he first sharpened his chops as a reporter at a radio station in Brighton, Ontario, and then newspapers in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, and Invermere B.C.
From quilting competitions to crimes against humanity, Dan isn’t afraid to cover any topic. Always seeking out the best angles - whether it’s through the lens of his camera or the voices of his Interviews – he delves into the conflict and seeks out the humanity in every story worth telling.
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