'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
NEW What Canada is doing about the toxic forever chemicals in drinking water
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson Airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
House admonishes ArriveCan contractor in rare parliamentary show of power
MPs enacted an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power on Wednesday, summonsing an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons where he was admonished publicly and forced to provide answers to the questions MPs said he'd previously evaded.
Here's why experts don't think cloud seeding played a role in Dubai's downpour
Scientists say it's highly unlikely cloud seeding is responsible for the heavy rains that have caused flooding in the United Arab Emirates this month, and that climate change is the more likely culprit.