Nova Scotia Health warns of tainted cocaine

Health officials were told a supply of cocaine used by four people in the HRM area on Monday was found to be tainted

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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Nova Scotia Health is warning the public about reports of tainted cocaine in our area.

Health officials were told a supply of cocaine used by four people in the HRM area on Monday was found to be tainted.

“The cocaine was snorted and the individuals experienced delayed (several hours) onset of seizures,” the health authority said in a Facebook post.

It said three people in the West Hants, Windsor area also used cocaine on New Year’s Eve that was suspected to be tainted.

“The observed reaction included drug poisoning, blue lips, loss of head / neck control and becoming unresponsive,” it said.

Nova Scotia Health says don’t use alone.

Halifax’s ReFIX overdose prevention site is at 2107 Brunswick St. and can be reached by calling 902-209-9370.

There’s also a National Overdose Response Service (NORS) phone line, which is available 24/7 by calling 1-888-688-NORS.

Health officials say you can also call a trusted support person and give them your location.

After that, start with a test dose and have a naloxone kit, which are available for free at several locations throughout the province.

In the event of an overdose call 911 and know your rights under the Good Samaritan Act, which can help protect against simple drug possession charges.