Health authorities warn of toxic blue ‘rock chunks’ in Dawson Creek drug supply

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Drug users in the Dawson Creek area are being warned about a substance that’s been linked to an increase in overdoses in the community.

Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) have jointly issued a toxic drug alert for Dawson Creek, saying a blue ‘rock chunk’ like substance is circulating through the area being sold as heroin.

The substance is reportedly highly toxic, causes prolonged, heavy sedation and requires an increased amount of naloxone to reverse its effects. The two agencies say overdoses happen when the substance is smoked or injected.

Drug users are urged to carry naloxone — a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose — and to get training in how to administer it.

The agencies also advise people to avoid using drugs alone, know their tolerance and use less if they’ve been sober or sick recently, avoid mixing drugs with alcohol and test small amounts of their drugs before use.

People who do plan to use drugs alone are urged to either use an app like Lifeguard or to visit an overdose prevention site so they can have their substances checked for fentanyl and use them in a safe environment.

Dawson Creek’s overdose prevention site is located at 1001 110th Avenue and is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Sunday.

The toxic drug alert will remain in effect until November 21st.