Toxic drug alert: Prince George

There has been a significant increase in overdose events in Prince George, resulting from two distinct substances. The first substance, known as "down," is a light brown/beige color and has been causing prolonged sedation, breathing difficulties, strange behavior, and blackouts. Testing shows it contains high levels of fentanyl (15-20%) and tested positive for benzodiazepine. The second substance is purple in color and has also been linked to overdoses. Testing and further information on this substance is currently unavailable. 

Substances move throughout our region and may be present in your community so please share this alert widely and use with caution following the harm reduction messages below.

For your safety

• Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone
• Don’t 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 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 (Drug checking hours: 6 days a week, 10 am to 2 pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 4 pm to 8 pm Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays; Appointments can be made outside these hours by texting or calling 250-301-3285)
• 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
  Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6 am to 11 am and 6 pm to 11 pm
• Northern Health Needle Exchange and Harm Reduction Clinic (OPS/APP), 277 George St, Prince George
  Hours: Monday to Saturday, 1 pm to 6 pm

Alert expires: April 4, 2023