Toxic drug alert: Prince George

There has been an increase in overdoses in Prince George. Overdoses may be linked to a brown and pink substance sold as DOWN, both testing positive for high concentrations of fentanyl and benzodiazepines causing sudden overdose and requiring a higher number of naloxone dosages. 

The risk of overdose is higher when using in isolation and due to cold weather, there can be a decreased tolerance due to the impacts of cold weather on the body. Identify safe locations to use, such as a local OPS or with a friend.

A warming shelter can be found at:

• House of Friendship – 138 George Street from 7 am until midnight
• BC Schizophrenia Society – 1131 6th Ave from 9 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Friday
• Prince George Public Library - 888 Canada Games Way, open at 10 am, Monday to Saturday

An overnight shelter can be found at:

• Active Support Against Poverty – 11866 6th Ave, 30 beds, 250-563-6112
• Association Advocating for Women and Community – 144 George Street, 30 beds, 250-562-6262
• Prince George Native Friendship Centre – 140 George Street, 21 beds (19+ males), 250-563-1982
• Prince George Native Friendship Centre – 1151 2nd Avenue, 30 beds (all clients 19+), 250-563-0895

Take care, drugs move throughout the North, please share this alert widely. We have included safety recommendations below.

For your safety

• Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone
• Try not to use alone. Make a plan and tell a buddy who can call for help if needed
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard or BeSafe app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website
• Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less
• When possible, avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol
• Test a small amount first, start low and go slow
• Use in an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) if possible (see Prince George locations listed below)
• Get your drugs checked at Two Doors Down (Hours: 4 days a week, 1 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays)
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses

Local overdose prevention site (OPS)

• Two Doors Down, 1126 3rd Ave, Prince George, BC
  Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 5 pm to 9 pm
• Northern Health Needle Exchange and Harm Reduction Clinic (OPS/APP), 277 George St, Prince George, BC
  Hours: Monday to Saturday, 1 pm to 6 pm

Alert expires: March 13, 2024