July 24, 2024 –West Hants, Nova Scotia

SUNAR received this report through the Nova Scotia Drug harms alert.

This report came from a community partner in West Hants regarding a substance sold as Dilaudid that is suspected to be Krokodil.

Krokodil (aka desomorphine) is a strong opioid that increases chances of developing skin infections.

The drug was used the week of July 22nd, the observed reaction to this drug was open sores all over body!

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.

July 8, 2024 –Newfoundland and Labrador

CCENDU Drug Alert

Western and Central Newfoundland: Toxic Drug Supply, Cocaine

Our province is currently experiencing increased harms due to the increasing toxicity of the

unregulated drug supply.

It has been reported by several community partners that tainted cocaine has caused increased harms including overdose and death.

Due to the unknown toxic supply, other substances may be in the cocaine.

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.

June 4, 2024 –Sydney, Nova Scotia

SUNAR received this report through the Nova Scotia Drug harms alert.

5mg Percocet Pills Testing Positive for Fentanyl. Purchased in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

The description of the pill: "Pills are thinner and lettering on them is larger than pharmaceutical grade percocet. Specks were found throughout the pills.”

The drug was discarded after testing positive for fentanyl.

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.

April 4, 2024 –Labrador

This report was sent to SUNAR through a trusted worker from the community.

They have been receiving multiple reports of believed to be compromised “Cocaine” in the Labrador region.

The substance is being sold as “cocaine” and is described as being very brittle, “Chalky-like”, breaks/falls apart easily and smells like nail polish remover!

The drug was used IV. The reaction when used was very strong, instant/significant HALLUCINATIONS and PARANOIA. Person who used the substance says “Nothing like cocaine” and “So scary”. The person who used this substance only used 1 point and strongly believes anymore could have been very dangerous.

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.

March 9 & 10, 2024 –Millbrook, Bible Hill, Truro

Nova Scotia’s Drug Harms Alert,

This report came from the Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, Nova Scotia regarding 5 non-fatal drug poisonings on the weekend of March 9 and 10, 2024.

One of the 5 cases disclosed the drug was believed to be heroin and described the drug as a white powder.

In one of the 5 cases the drug was smoked and is described as causing; Low heart rate, slowed/stopped breathing, cool body temperature, and required high doses of naloxone!

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.

February 22, 2024 –Newfoundland and Labrador

CCENDU Drug Alert

Province-Wide Alert for Newfoundland: Toxic Drug Supply

Our province is currently experiencing increased harms due to the increasing toxicity of the unregulated drug supply.

There has been a higher than-usual number of suspected opioid overdose-related deaths driven by the use of tainted substances with unknown strength and purity.

The widespread presence of highly toxic opioids, such as fentanyl and its analogues, poses a substantial threat.

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.

February 1 & 2, 2024 –Sydney, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s Drug Harms Alert,

This report came from a community partner regarding powdered cocaine testing positive for xylazine.

There were 5 instances of powdered cocaine testing positive for xylazine on February 1 and 2 in Sydney, NS.

The drug was injected and is described to cause an Initial rush and then deep sedation, (heavy nod). Some users experiencing burning sensation when first injected and a rash.

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.

January 23, 2024 –Bridgewater, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s Drug Harms Alert,

This report came from a community partner regarding suspected carfentanil in opioids sold as fentanyl.

The Drug was purchased in Halifax and used in Bridgewater on January 23rd 2024, and was sold as fentanyl. Dealer since disclosed that carfentanil is in the supply.

Users suspect benzodiazepines as well (urine results positive for benzodiazepines January 23rd).

The drug was smoked and is described as very potent, using ¼ of normal dose for same effect.

The Drug crumbles more than typical supply, brown sugar colour, some darker clumps, bitter flavour. Packaged in Ziplock sandwich bag.

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.

January 18, 2024 –Sydney, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s Drug Harms Alert,

This report came from Health Canada’s Drug Analysis Service. They are reporting on a novel fentanyl analog that has been detected in Nova Scotia for the first time.

The Drug was used on December 21st 2023, and was Bromofentanyl (N-(bromophenyl)-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-propanamide (a novel fentanyl analog). The drug looked like Black crystalline rock..

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.

December 26, 2023 – Halifax, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s Drug Harms Alert,

Received a notification from a community partner of a pink substance being sold as down that is suspected to be contaminated by benzodiazepines.

The drug was used by inhalation and injection. Observed reaction of this drug was benzo-like.

Benzo test strips were inconclusive and are not a reliable test in this case due to the potential presence of novel benzodiazepines.

Please check out our Safer Drug Use page and Overdose Prevention page to learn how to use as safely as possible.