**** Via NSHA
Verified Drug Alert March 3, 2025: Crack cocaine contaminated with an opioid
NSHA have received a report from a community partner of an unexpected reaction to crack cocaine in the Halifax area in Nova Scotia. Based on the reaction observed, it is suspected to have been tainted with opioids.
Harm reduction information:
If you use drugs from the unregulated supply (the ‘street supply’), you don’t know what is in them and you don’t know how strong they are. Sometimes, stimulants like crack cocaine are contaminated with an opioid.
Why Is This Dangerous?
If the stimulant you are using is contaminated with an opioid, you are at high risk of an overdose, which could be fatal.
There are extremely powerful opioids in the drug supply, and taking even a small amount can be fatal (cause death), especially if you do not have tolerance to opioids.
Not all opioids can be detected with fentanyl test strips, so people may not know they are taking them.
Naloxone does NOT work on benzodiazepines, so if a benzo is involved, emergency help is critical. Call 911.
How to Stay Safe: Let someone know, start low, and go slow
Do NOT use drugs alone – Use with someone you trust or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS. They will stay on the phone with you while you use, so they can get you help if needed.
Start with a very small amount – These drugs are stronger than what people may expect or be used to.
Have naloxone ready – Naloxone can help with opioid overdoses, but it will NOT work on benzodiazepines like bromazolam. Even if you’re unsure what substance caused an overdose, always give naloxone—it won’t harm the person, but it may help if opioids are involved.
Call 911 immediately for any overdose – Even if naloxone is used, emergency help is still needed.
Check your drugs – Pills that look like real medicine could be fake and contain deadly drugs. Always assume street drugs are risky.
Avoid mixing drugs – Combining opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.
Go to an overdose prevention site – If available in your area, these sites provide a safe space with medical staff who can help in case of an emergency.
Where to Get Help:
Overdose Prevention Sites (Supervised places where people can use drugs safely and get help if needed):
• ReFIX Halifax: 2151 Gottingen St. (902-209-9370)
• PeerSix Sydney: 75 Prince St. (902-567-1766)
If someone overdoses:
• Call 911 immediately – Tell them someone is unresponsive.
• Give naloxone if you have it. More than one dose may be needed if high potency opioids are involved. If there are no opioids, naloxone will be ineffective but will not cause harm – give it anyway.
• Stay with them and make sure they can breathe.
• If they stop breathing, perform rescue breaths until help arrives.
If benzodiazepines are involved, naloxone will NOT work (but will not cause harm if used) —emergency medical care is needed.
Get Free Naloxone Kits: You can get naloxone for free at most pharmacies and harm reduction programs.
Know Your Rights: Under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, you cannot be charged for drug possession if you call 911 to help someone overdosing. Do not be afraid to call for help.
Submit a drug alert: If you come across suspicious drugs or someone has a bad reaction, you can report it to NSDrugAlert@nshealth.ca.
