Light-green substance in Penticton contains high levels of fentanyl

Photo: Interior Health

A light-green substance sold in Penticton has been found to contain high levels of fentanyl.

Interior Health has issued a warning about a drug circulating in Penticton that contains high levels of fentanyl.

In a tweet issued Thursday, IH said a “light green chunky substance” being sold as “down” contains high levels of fentanyl, and the substance has been associated with recent overdoses in the Penticton area.

“Down” generally refers to heroin, fentanyl and other opioids, although real heroin has become increasingly rare in recent years.

IH says the substance in question may also contain benzodiazepines.

“High risk of drug poisoning (overdose), long periods of unconsciousness (sleepiness), memory loss are possible,” IH warns.

The health authority advises people who are using drugs to get them tested, never use alone, and start with a small amount.

Through the first 10 months of 2021, 1,782 British Columbians died from illicit drugs, the most of any year in B.C.'s history. Of these, 308 occurred in the Interior. Final numbers for the entire year have yet to be released by the B.C. Coroners Service.

?? We've issued a drug alert in #Penticton for a light green chunky substance sold as down that contains high levels of fentanyl and has been associated with known overdoses in the community. If you use drugs take care out there ? https://t.co/8KbrgKnmsI ?? pic.twitter.com/G2yY1GaSNy

— Interior Health (@Interior_Health) January 20, 2022