Latest news with #contaminateddrugs
CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Public health warns of rising drug poisonings in Sudbury district
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued a drug warning following a spike in poisonings and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. The alert, issued Monday, cites concerns over contaminated street drugs but notes that 'the cause of the increase is unknown.' Officials warn that substances may be mixed with dangerous additives, including benzodiazepines – often referred to as benzos – xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl or carfentanil. Public Health Sudbury and Districts An undated photo of the Public Health Sudbury & Districts building on Paris Street in Greater Sudbury, Ont. (File photo/CTV News) Contaminated substances circulating A 'pink rock-like substance' reportedly being sold as fentanyl has been linked to prolonged sedation in the region. Health officials urge caution, particularly due to the risk of benzos and tranquilizers, which can cause extended unconsciousness. Pink fentanyl Authorities warn the presence of fentanyl and other potent substances that can cause injury or death are increasing in our communities. A photo of fentanyl in its powdered form that has been dyed pink is shown. (File photo/Supplied/Nishnawbe Aski Police Service) If you come across someone sedated, Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises: Move them to a safe, warm, dry place. Stay with them and monitor their condition. Ensure limbs aren't restricted. Provide rescue breaths if breathing is impaired. How to prevent poisonings Drug poisonings occur when the body can't handle a substance's effects, leading to unconsciousness, seizures, or death. Public Health recommends: Carry naloxone – a free kit can be picked up from Public Health, the Réseau ACCESS Network, local pharmacies. For more information on where to find naloxone kits, visit ( Information on how to use naloxone can be found here . ) ) Avoid mixing substances, including alcohol, prescriptions and street drugs. Start with a lower dose and use slowly. Don't use alone – have a trusted person present or connect with a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 or the Brave App. Responding to an overdose If a drug poisoning occurs: Call 911 immediately and stay with the person. Administer naloxone – it's safe even if opioids aren't involved. Place an unconscious person in the recovery position. Recognizing poisoning symptoms Health officials say that symptoms vary by substances. Opioid poisoning: Bluish, purple, or greyish skin/lips Dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds Slow, weak or no breathing Benzodiazepine toxicity: Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness Poor balance or slurred speech Blackouts and memory loss Public Health urges the community to share the warning to help reduce risks.
BBC News
21-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Northamptonshire health teams issue contaminated drugs warning
A county's public health leaders have issued a warning about contaminated drugs circulating at festivals and parties over the North and West Northamptonshire councils said some drugs bought off the street or online could be as much as 10 times stronger and could cause serious harm or 18-year-old told the BBC he saw a friend hospitalised after taking contaminated Bethea, director of public health at North Northamptonshire Council, said: "The risks to inexperienced or recreational drug users are increased by the rapidly changing drug market." The councils warned that by buying illegal drugs, users "can't be sure what is in them or the effect they will have". Ms Bethea said: "Festivals are a particular setting of concern given there can be a number of street drugs circulating at these events, and those that take them may be inexperienced or experimenting for the first time, and so have low tolerance."She said there were particular issues with potent synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes, being mis-sold, and high availability of contaminated Gay, director of public health at West Northamptonshire Council, said: "Your drugs may look the same, even if they are contaminated, so I urge all recreational drug users to stop and think, and if they go ahead then to abide by the advice."The councils are working with charities such as Change Grow Live and Ngage on the White, from Ngage, said: "We have young people who are ending up in A&E because of contaminated substances."It is really shocking actually how many of our young people it is affecting." 'He started seizing on the floor' Deano is a former drug user who now works with 18-year-old from Northamptonshire, who did not want to give his surname, said he started taking drugs to help him told BBC Radio Northampton's Annabel Amos: "I am a massive insomniac, always have been."Also, I've got ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder], so they bounce off each other."So that's what I initially started using substances for."He said when buying drugs "there's always going to be a risk" they could be said when he was 16, he was with a friend, who was about his age and took what he thought was ketamine, but the substance also contained amphetamine and fentanyl - a powerful said: "He was bugging around for a bit, getting all excited because of the amphetamines and then what I assume happened is the fentanyl took over after that."He started seizing on the floor, foaming [at the mouth] and he got taken away by ambulance."It's still a shock because you don't know what they've taken."His friend later recovered and now Deano is working towards rebuilding his life and has applied to college. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
