Fraser Health issues toxic drug alert in Maple Ridge

MAPLE RIDGE — Health authorities have issued a toxic drug advisory for a veterinary drug being detected in brown chunks sold as down across Maple Ridge.

Carfentanil, which is primarily used for large animals, is 50 to 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

A user may need “multiple doses” of naloxone to reverse its effects. Anyone administering it is urged to monitor the person’s breathing before giving more.

“Carfentanil continues to be detected at very high concentrations in the local down supply after the last drug alert in June,” said Fraser Health. “This ongoing presence may increase the risk of overdose among friends, family and community members who use unregulated substances by injection, inhalation, or ingestion.”