An overdose advisory for Nanaimo was issued by Island Health on Friday, July 16 (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

overdose advisory

Overdose advisory for Nanaimo announced by Island Health

Jul 16, 2021 | 4:29 PM

NANAIMO — Island Health is warning drug users to take extra precautions with toxic drugs leading to increased overdoses in Nanaimo.

Island Health announced an overdose advisory in Nanaimo on the afternoon of Friday, July 16 in response to the use of bright and dark purple opioids for both injection and inhalation.

The health authority first issued advisories locally this year due to a toxic drug supply in April, which was a warning extended three times before being withdrawn in early May.

Overdose alerts are issued after a number of factors are taking into consideration including ambulance callout volume, reports from overdose prevention sites and recent fatalities.

Nineteen people have died for toxic illicit drug use in Nanaimo so far as of the end of June, according to BC Coroners Service data.

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