Drug Warnings
Because of bad drug policies, there are a lot of toxic drugs out there. The National Drug Alert System (NDAS), created by the St. John Ambulance (SJA), is the most comprehensive and up to date Canadian database of drug warnings.
We are an official partner of the SJA National Drug Alert System, which means that SUNAR can submit drug warnings to be added to their database. If you know about any toxic, tainted, laced or mislabeled drugs, let the rest of us know by filling out an anonymous bad drug report. We will pass it along to the NDAS and we will share the warning below as well.
5 non-fatal drug poisonings in Millbrook, Bible Hill, Truro, NS
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.
Province wide toxic drug alert for Newfoundland and Labrador
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.
5 instances of powdered cocaine testing positive for xylazine in Sydney, NS.
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.
Suspected carfentanil in opioids sold as fentanyl. Purchased in Halifax!
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.
Novel fentanyl analog that has been detected in Nova Scotia for the first time.
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.