Toxic drug alert issued for Lower Mainland community<\/p>\n
Published 1:55 pm Friday, June 12, 2026<\/p>\n
Fraser Health has issued a toxic drug alert for Maple Ridge.<\/p>\n
The health authority said light brown granules sold as Down were found to contain very high concentrations of Carfentanil, a very toxic fentanyl analog.<\/p>\n
According to the agency, carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than fentanyl. It is primarily used in veterinary medicine for large animals and is not intended for human use.<\/p>\n
Naloxone can reverse its effects, but multiple doses may be necessary. And the agency advised to monitor a person\u2019s breathing before administering more naloxone.<\/p>\n
\u201cFriends, family, and community members using unregulated substances may face increased risk of overdose from injection, inhalation, and ingestion,\u201d said the health authority online.<\/p>\n
If someone experiences a toxic drug poisoning, 911 should be called immediately and people are asked to stay with the person overdosing.<\/p>\n