Interior Health is warning drug users about a toxic drug circulating in Kelowna that has caused an increase in the number of local overdoses. On Friday afternoon, IH issued a drug alert regarding a pink/purple chalky substance sold as “down” or fentanyl. Samples of the drug showed fentanyl concentrations between 25-40 percent and benzodiazepine concentrations between 10-15 percent. IH says both of these concentrations are “higher than average” and there is a high risk of fatal overdose for those who use the substance. Benzodiazepine has been appearing in illegal drugs in recent years. While naloxone can reverse the effects of opioids such as fentanyl, it has no effect on a benzodiazepine overdose. The drug alert remains in effect until November 11.
