A test of a drug sample in Kingston has resulted in a disturbing discovery by the local health unit.
Southeast Public Health is alerting residents to a concerning result during recent drug-checking by Consumption and Treatment Services in Kingston.
An alarming combination of stimulant, hallucinogenic and depressant substances was detected in an expected cocaine sample; no cocaine was detected.
This combination of substances significantly increases the risk of serious adverse effects, including physical, psychological, and dissociative symptoms, as well as drug poisoning and death.
Justine McIsaac, coordinator of the Kingston Consumption and Treatment Services site, reports that the local sample was submitted to Toronto’s Drug Checking Services for confirmatory testing. Results showed the sample contained fluorofentanyl, MDMA, medetomidine, ketamine, caffeine, and phenacetin. Effects of these drugs may include increased heart rate and blood pressure, severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, sedation, tremors, hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis, confusion, disorientation, and memory loss. The presence of potent opioids like fluorofentanyl can cause life-threatening respiratory suppression. This mixture may also increase risk of assault and traumatic injuries due to impaired judgment and sensory distortion. A similar mixture may be seen in so-called “pink cocaine” (also known as tusi or 2C) but is unusual and especially concerning in a sample that appeared to be and was expected to be cocaine.
SEPH emphasizes the ongoing unpredictability and toxicity of the unregulated drug supply. Naloxone should always be administered when opioid poisoning is suspected. While naloxone will not reverse the effects of non-opioid substances, it can counteract opioids that may be present.
In addition to informing key partners, including the public, promoting access to naloxone kits and other harm reduction measures, and continuing efforts to prevent drug-related harms, SEPH is urging people to:
- Avoid using alone. Roughly 75 percent of opioid poisoning deaths happen when no one is there to help. If you use alone, tell someone before you do and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in on you. Alternatives may include:
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- Using with a friend or family member present or virtually, staggering use if both are using drugs.
- Using a supervised consumption service:
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- In-person at Consumption and Treatment Services at 661 Montreal St. in Kingston – drug checking services are available.
- Virtually by calling the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677).
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- Avoid using more than one drug at a time, including alcohol.
- Go slow. The quality of unregulated drugs is very unpredictable.
- Get a free naloxone kit and training. Always carry it with you. Consider carrying multiple doses of naloxone.
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect drug poisoning to ensure emergency medical treatment is provided.
If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, please share the above safety information with them. We also advise that you obtain a free naloxone kit and training.
For more information on harm reduction, visit the website of the region nearest you:
- Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Region
- Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
- Or please reach out to your local health unit office for more information and resources
