***Drug Alert - Cranbrook - Aug 6, 2026***

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for Cranbrook and surrounding area. DOWN containing high amounts of medetomidine and fentanyl. 

There is a high risk of overdose and fatal overdose, dizziness and confusion, nausea, amnesia, sleepiness and nodding out for a long time. Multiple overdoses have been reported.

Medetomidine is a very strong non-opioid tranquilizer—much stronger than xylazine (200x).

It slows down breathing and heart rate and can make overdoses more complicated and longer. Medetomidine is potentially dangerous to the heart.

The combination of fentanyl and medetomidine increases risk of overdose and can lead to significant sedation. Overdose symptoms may last beyond administration of naloxone.

Resources for responding to medetomidine overdose

• Medetomidine info sheet
• Prolonged Sedation Response
• Responding to low heart rate

Please ensure your clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community.   

Click here for printable poster.

  

Service Provider Information

IH Mental Health Services: 310-MHSU

Cranbrook Drug Checking:  Ankors 250-426-3383 Monday-Friday 9-4

Virtual Addiction Medicine Clinic (VAM) 

Our Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) clinic offers a full range of opioid agonist treatment (OAT), including buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone®), methadone, and slow-release oral morphine (SROM / Kadian®). 

How VAM works:

• Our team works with you to assess your individual needs, develop a treatment plan, and help you achieve your goals

• The VAM clinic is virtual, meaning your appointments will take place over the phone no matter where you are in the Interior Health region

• The VAM clinic does not provide long-term care. Once you are comfortable with how your treatment is going, we will help you find health services in your community

• If you need help managing prescribed opioid agonist treatment (OAT), supervised consumption, overdose prevention, supervised withdrawal from alcohol, or counselling, please contact your nearest Interior Health Mental Health and Substance Use centre at 310-MHSU (6478). 

 • Click here to request an appointment.    

 

No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose 

• Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl test strips or accessing drug checking services in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs. Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca 
• Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone. Find out where to get naloxone on the ‘Towards the Heart’ website, under ‘Find a site’. 
• When using substances: 
• Use with others around 
• Use one person at a time so someone can respond to overdose if needed 
• When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow. 
• Know the risks when mixing drugs  
• Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs 
• If using alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.   

 

***Toxic Drug Alert - Terrace - July 30, 2026***

Northern Health is issuing a Toxic Drug Alert for the community of Terrace, for purple granules sold as “down” that tested positive for Cychlorphine, Medetomidine and Paraflurofentanyl (fentanyl analogue).

This substance is highly toxic, causing overdoses, heavy and prolonged sedation, and requires more naloxone to reverse.

More info:

Toxic drug alert: Terrace | Stories

Be cautious when using substances and follow the safety tips below:

• Get training to prevent, recognize, and respond to an overdose; carry naloxone.
• Don't use alone. Make a plan and tell a trusted person who can call for help if needed.
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website, or call NORS (National Overdose Response Service) 1-888-688-6677 (NORS).
• Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less.
• Don't mix drugs or mix drugs with alcohol.
• Test a small amount first and go slow.
• Use in an OPS if possible (see locations listed below).
• Access fentanyl drug checking where possible (OPS sites).
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.
• Drugs move between communities and may appear in your area. Please share this alert widely and use caution.

Local overdose prevention sites (OPS) and harm reduction supports

• Terrace Specialized MHSU Outreach team (formerly ICMT)
  Address: 101-4450 Grieg Ave, Terrace, BC (Stepping Stones Building)
  Phone: 250-631-4647