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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.