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Analysis Report of Drug Alerts in Vancouver, B.C

Methodology 
The data was sourced from drug alerts in the last five months triggered in Vancouver, BC. These alerts are issued by the drug-checking facility, GetYourDrugTested to warn drug users about potentially dangerous substances circulating in the local drug supply. 

The data entries were categorized based on the type of drug (stimulant, depressant, opioid, psychedelic, or unknown) and the physical appearance of the substance (e.g., white powder, pink granules, etc.).

AddressHigh prevalence of fentanyl and benzodiazepines:

  • 10 out of the 16 samples (62.5%) tested positive for fentanyl.

  • 8 out of the 16 samples (50%) tested positive for benzodiazepines.

  • 7 out of the 16 samples (43.75%) tested positive for both fentanyl and benzodiazepines, indicating a high risk of complex overdose.

Mislabelled

  • 3 out of the 16 samples (18.75%) contained substances different from what they were sold as (DMT, hydromorphone, and oxycodone samples).

  • The DMT sample contained 50-55% AMB-FUBINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, and no DMT at all.

  • The hydromorphone sample contained only 5-10% hydromorphone, with the majority being lactose (50-55%) and other substances.

Combinations 

  • 5 out of the 16 samples (31.25%) contained a combination of opioids (fentanyl) and benzodiazepines.

  • Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, was found in 4 out of the 16 samples (25%), always in combination with opioids.

  • One cocaine sample (6.25%) contained both a stimulant (cocaine) and a depressant (fentanyl), which could lead to unexpected effects.

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