Toxic drug alert issued for Maple Ridge

Fraser Health has issued a toxic drug alert for Maple Ridge after brown chunks sold as Down were found to contain very high concentrations of carfentanil.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It is primarily used in veterinary medicine for large animals and is not intended for human use.

The health authority says anyone witnessing a toxic drug poisoning should call 911 immediately and stay with the person. Naloxone can reverse the effects, though multiple doses may be needed; people are advised to monitor breathing before giving additional doses.

Information on toxic drug alerts and overdose prevention is available at fraserhealth.ca/ODalerts.