Interior Health issues authority-wide drug poisoning alert after deadly weekend in Kelowna

KAMLOOPS — In the wake of a rash of overdose deaths in Kelowna, Interior Health has issued a drug poisoning alert for the entire region.

IH says drug-checking has found “consistent benzodiazepine presentations,” as well as “higher than average concentration of fentanyl.” Officials also noted multiple findings of Xylazine in Cranbrook.

In its notice issued Monday (Sept. 26), IH says it issued the alert based on the cluster of drug toxicity deaths in Central Okanagan. RCMP issued a warning Saturday after responding to five overdose deaths within a matter of hours in Kelowna and West Kelowna.

IH notes many of the recent deaths due to drug toxicity involved “inhalation or smoking of substances.”

Those who use drugs are advised to check their substances before using and to always use with someone else present.