***Drug Alert - Downtown Eastside - October 22, 2025***

VCH has issued a drug alert.

Multiple samples (dark purple chunks, light purple and pink pebbles, white granules) sold as down in the DTES of Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl, fluorofentanyl and medetomidine, a non-opioid tranquilizer more toxic than xylazine. These samples have all caused overdoses. 

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

***Drug Alert - Vancouver - October 17, 2025***

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has issued a drug alert.

Brown granules sold as down in Vancouver tested positive for para-fluorofentanyl, heroin, the benzodiazepine, nifoxipam, and medetomidine, a non-opioid tranquilizer more potent than xylazine.

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

**Northern Health - Overdose Advisory - Prince George - Oct 12, 2025**

There has been an increase in overdose events in the community of Prince George with people reporting slowed heart rate and heavy and prolonged sedation requiring more naloxone to reverse. The reported substance is being sold as “down” or “heroin”. This happens when the drug is smoked and injected. 

For more information, go to: 

• Overdose prevention web page - https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/overdose-prevention
• NH Newsroom Advisory alert - https://stories.northernhealth.ca/news/overdose-advisory-prince-george-2
• NH Facebook post - https://www.facebook.com/NorthernHealth/posts/1293923036111824

To sign up for text-based drug alerts for Northern Health and other health regions, text JOIN to 253787