Drug alert warns of beige down street drug found in Brandon
Advocates are warning people to take precautions after a street drug, which naloxone has no effect on, was recently found in Brandon for the first time.
A drug alert from Street Connections issued on Monday says bromazolam, also known by the street names of beige down or beige pebble, was recently confiscated and tested by the Health Canada - Drug Analysis Service.
It is the first report from the service of this drug in Brandon.
The alert said the drug is a benzodiazepine and was found in powdered form. The drug can cause respiratory depression and sedation, and may cause a person to lose consciousness. The same sample also tested positive for the opioid fentanyl.
Solange Machado, the network coordinator for the Brandon Harm Reduction Network, said she just got the alert for the drug this week, but said she has received reports from users who say that it has been around, just not very frequently.
Machado said the difference between bromazolam and fentanyl means treatment for drug toxicity is different.
"(Bromazolam) is not an opioid. Naloxone does not work on it, so that's kind of the one of the bigger risks," she said, adding mixing it with fentanyl can pose a bigger risk.
"Mixing substances is always dangerous, especially mixing these two particular substances like fentanyl with bromazolam could pose more of an overdose risk."
Machado said in the event of bromazolam toxicity, the best course of action is to call 9-1-1 and administer CPR as needed.
She said there are other things people can do to reduce risk, such as never using drugs alone, and starting slow with a low dose.
She said it is also important that people get correct and reviewed information about the drugs they are using.
"I think it's just important that people who use drugs are aware of the substances out in the community and aware of the risks it may have so that people can be as safe as possible," she said.
"The purpose of this alert isn't to scare people or create fear, but rather to keep our community members safe and help prevent drug toxicity."
More information about the drug alert can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.