Interior Health issues alert about deadly 'down' drug in Kamloops

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Interior Health has issued a drug alert in Kamloops for a potentially deadly synthetic cannabinoid street drug being sold under the name “down” — a term commonly used to refer to heroin.

The beige-coloured drug consists of AMB-FUB, fentanyl and caffeine, and is said to cause memory problems, difficulty thinking, sweating and mild hallucinations — both visual and auditory.

AMB-FUB can cause serious symptoms such as seizures, agitation, confusion, respiratory failure and death.

The drug was tested at ASK Wellness and the alert will remain in place until Sept. 24.

Users are advised to have their drugs checked before they use. They are also cautioned against using alone and urged to visit a supervised consumption site to minimize the risk of an overdose.

If someone must use alone they are encouraged to download the Lifeguard app, which can connect them to 911 if they experience an overdose.

Naloxone kits, used to reverse the effects of an overdose, are available at ASK Wellness, and various pharmacies.

Supervised consumption sites are located at ASK Wellness at 433 Tranquille Rd. open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) and at 569 Seymour St. (Crossroads Inn parking lot) from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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