The drug has been connected to overdose deaths.

A substance known as “down” that is a light blue, chunk-like material has caused a major rise in overdose incidents in Prince George, Northern Health is warning the public.

After just one inhalation, individuals have reported experiencing prolonged drowsiness that lasts for several hours.

Testing has revealed that the material contains significant amounts of fentanyl and bromazolam, which have been connected to deadly overdoses (benzodiazepine).

Northern Health issued the advisory, noting that since drugs travel around the area, they might also be in other towns outside of the city.

Two Doors Down, 1126 Third Ave, which is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Northern Health Needle Exchange and Harm Reduction Clinic, which is open from Monday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., are both overdose prevention sites in Prince George.

By texting the word JOIN to Notifications, drug users, people who support them, and community members can sign up for dangerous drug alerts (253787). Alerts about dangerous drugs, drug poisoning, and public health issues will be sent to them.

Guidelines for drug-use protection comprise:

• Enroll in training for recognizing and responding to overdoses and carrying naloxone.

• Use not by yourself. Make a plan and inform a friend so they can get assistance if necessary.

• Use the Lifeguard or BeSafe app, which is free to download from the app store or the Toward the Heart website, if you intend to use the service alone.

• Be aware of your tolerance. Use considerably less if you are sick, have recently gone without, or have been using less.

• When at all possible, avoid doing from combining alcohol and narcotics.

• Start with a little amount and proceed slowly.

• Employ at an overdose prevention site (OPS)

• Check your drug at Two Doors Down (6 days a week, from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., from Tuesday to Sunday; appointments can be scheduled outside of these hours by texting or phoning 250-301-3285)

• If someone overdoses, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.