Interior Health issues alert for substance sold as ketamine that is largely methamphetamine

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health (IH) has issued a drug alert for users in Kamloops.

IH says crystals sold on the street as ketamine have been found to contain only 25 per cent ketamine and 75 per cent methamphetamine. The health authority notes the effects of methamphetamine last much longer than those of ketamine.

The substance is being sold as colourless crystals or a white powder.

Users who ingest the substance are at further risk of overdose. Symptoms can include an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty sleeping and agitation.

Anyone using drugs is advised to test substances before they use and to never use alone.