Health officials issue toxic drug alert in Cranbrook

Health authorities are warning of a toxic substance entering the drug supply in Cranbrook with a high overdose risk.

Interior Health says the substance — being sold as “down,” “dope,” or fentanyl — appears as purple chunks and pebbles.

Testing has found it contains fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, and medetomidine.

Medetomidine is a non-opioid tranquilizer with effects similar to xylazine but around 200 times stronger.

Interior Health says it can cause “complicated and long-lasting overdose symptoms,” including breathing suppression and dangerous impacts on the cardiovascular system.

The combination of fluorofentanyl and medetomidine can also lead to symptoms that continue even after naloxone is used.

Along with a high overdose risk, the substance can cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, amnesia, and extreme sleepiness.

Health officials also warn that smoking the drug is not safer than injecting it.

The alert remains in effect until Friday, Nov. 28.