Nova Scotia Health issues fifth drug alert in just two weeks

FILE - A pouch containing crystalized methamphetamine and a homemade pipe are shown March 21, 2006, in Window Rock, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

Nova Scotia Health has issued another drug warning, making it the fifth drug alert affecting five different counties in the province in just two weeks.

The health authority says it has received a report from a community source that crystal meth suspected to contain xylazine and fentanyl has been found in West Hants.

“The report indicates the drug originated in Halifax Regional Municipality,” said Nova Scotia Health in the latest alert, which was issued late Monday afternoon.

The warning came just hours after the health authority said crystal meth suspected to contain fentanyl was turning up in Kings County.

Nova Scotia Health also issued two drug alerts on Thursday, including one about crack cocaine causing adverse reactions in Lunenburg County.

The other alert warned of an “unknown drug of high toxicity” was causing “multiple overdoses” in Pictou County after being smoked.

The first drug alert this month came on June 1, when the health authority said “fentanyl suspected to contain high levels of toxicity” was causing “multiple suspected overdoses” in Cumberland County.

Nova Scotia Health added on June 9 that Cumberland County continued to see “an ongoing elevated number of daily drug toxicities” related to the fentanyl. It warned some people who suffered an overdose required multiple doses or were unresponsive to naloxone.

The health authority is urging drug users not to use drugs alone and have naloxone ready in case of an opioid overdose.

“Always assume street drugs may not be what you think and contain drugs different from or stronger than you expect,” warns Nova Scotia Health. “Pills that look like real medicine could be fake.”

Anyone who suspects an overdose should call 911 immediately.

Free naloxone kits are available at most pharmacies and through harm reduction programs.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, here are some resources that are available:

• Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167
• Kids Help Phone [phone]; Text CONNECT to 686868
• Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service - (Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30; Tues and Thurs until 8 pm) - 1-855-922-1122
• 211 Nova Scotia - information and referrals to community and social services: Call 2-1-1 or 1-855-466-4994; Email: [e-mail]

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page