Interior Health has issued a drug alert for Kamloops and Merritt warning of a toxic substance being sold in the region.

It says a teal coloured substance being sold as down was found to contain fentanyl and possible synthetic cannabinoids.

The health authority says the drug has the potential to cause an overdose, hallucinations, disorientation, cold sweats, fear, and/or panic.

People are being urged to check any substances before using it and to not use alone. They’re also being urged to use the Lifeguard App and to have a naloxone readily available.

This alert will be in effect for a week, until Sept. 30.