Drug alert issued throughout the Interior Health region

MERRITT – A drug alert has been issued throughout the entire Interior Health region.

Interior Health (IH) said a white powder is being sold as cocaine but it actually contains fentanyl.

Officials said there is a high risk of fatal overdoses, with other side effects including amnesia, sleepiness, heavy snoring, and nodding out for a long time.

Some safety tips IH released include:

• Start with a small amount
• Get your drugs tested
• Never use alone
• Don’t mix drugs and alcohol
• Carry naloxone

The drug alert is in effect until Thursday, April 20.