'It's not just fentanyl anymore': B.C. sets new record high for overdose calls as concerns grow over 'tranq' drug
On March 22, first responders received an alarming number of overdose calls from the Downtown Eastside.
"We saw 45 overdoses in one day," said Keith Stewart, assistant chief with the Vancouver Fire Rescue Service.
"It's an overwhelming number for us."
Stewart says the number was more than double what crews usually see in a typical day.
In an email to CTV News, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) says March 22 set a new record for overdose calls province-wide. In the email, BCEHS added that March 22 was also "income-assistance payment day."
Officials attribute the increased call volume to an increasingly toxic and dangerous illicit drug supply.
"The drugs are being cut with so many different things at this time," said Stewart. "We're seeing some negative effects."
Kali Sedgemore is an outreach worker in the DTES who's responded to several overdoses through the years.
"We're seeing a lot more like xylazine and 'benzos' (benzodiazepines) coming into play," said Sedgemore.
Other areas of the country have also seen a spike in xylazine, known for being a tranquilizer used by veterinarians for anesthesia.
In an email sent to CTV News, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions said it's aware xylazine is showing up as a "cutting agent" in the illicit drug supply.
"It can complicate the response to an opioid poisoning," said the ministry. "It's vitally important to know how to access an overdose prevention or safe consumption site, and carry naloxone, which can save a life."
"It's not just fentanyl anymore," said Leslie McBain, co-founder of Moms Stop the Harm.
"There's dangerous drugs added into it that don't respond to naloxone, don't respond to the usual ways of saving people's lives. So it's worse than ever."
McBain believes better access to safe drug supply for users could save lives.
"What would happen if it was accessible, low-barrier and people could trust where (they could) get a regulated supply, then what would happen over time is the marketplace of organized crime and the production of these illicit toxic supplies would go down," said McBain.
Sedgemore, however, believes the safe supply policy needs an overhaul.
"The safe supply is not adequate at all," said Sedgemore. "It's like, people need to top up a lot of times because it's the only option they have."
They say users don't get the high they require through safe supply and often purchase drugs off the black market knowing of the potential consequences, including death.
"(Safe supply providers) put (users) on really low doses, which doesn't help people," said Sedgemore.
So far this year, there have been more than 8,500 calls regarding overdose poisoning province-wide.
An average of six people die per day in B.C. from illicit drug use.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
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.