Interior Health has issued a drug alert for Kamloops after a highly toxic substance containing dangerous levels of fentanyl and medetomidine was detected in the community.

According to the alert, the substance is being sold as “Down,” “Dope,” “Tranq,” or “Fentanyl” and appears as purple or pink chunks and pebbles.

Health officials say the sample tested contains 29% fentanyl along with 16% medetomidine — a powerful non-opioid tranquilizer described as being roughly 200 times stronger than xylazine.

Interior Health warns the combination significantly increases the risk of fatal overdose.

The agency says medetomidine can severely slow breathing and heart rate and may also pose serious risks to the heart. Officials warn overdoses involving the substance can cause extreme sedation, with symptoms potentially continuing even after naloxone has been administered.

The alert remains in effect until May 26.

Interior Health is urging people who use drugs to take extra precautions, including getting substances tested before use through ASK Wellness Society or Interior Health Mental Health and Substance Use services on Lansdowne Street.

Officials are also advising people not to use alone, to use supervised consumption or overdose prevention services when possible, and to start with a small amount while spacing out doses.

People are also being reminded to avoid mixing drugs with alcohol or other substances, carry naloxone kits, and use tools such as the LifeGuard App.

Anyone experiencing an overdose or medical emergency is urged to call 911 immediately.