An uptick in overdoses linked to fentanyl that's being passed off as crystal methamphetamine has prompted the Middlesex London Health Unit to issue a warning to drug users.
The health unit, in partnership with the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) and the London InterCommunity Health Centre (LIHC), issued the warning on Friday, three days after overdoses started increasing among people who don't use opioids. Point-of-care testing conducted by LIHC found that a substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine being sold in the region is actually fentanyl.
"Finding that fentanyl is being sold as crystal meth is incredibly worrisome. Ingesting this substance can lead to unintended and deadly consequences,” said Dr. Alex Summers, the region's medical officer of health. “It’s extremely important that people who use crystal meth take extra steps to stay as safe as possible.”
According to the health unit, the drug appears clear when purchased but turns white or yellow after being heated or burnt. It has also been described as having a “salty” taste.
“The community of people who use drugs in London deserves praise for identifying this deadly batch so quickly. Their quick actions prompted the testing that confirmed that what they thought was crystal meth, was actually fentanyl,” said Dr. Andrea Sereda, a physician at London InterCommunity Health Centre. “We are grateful that they took this life-saving action for their peers. We will continue to monitor this situation and will keep those who use drugs and our partners informed as the situation evolves.”
Crystal methamphetamine users are being advised to taste the substance before use to determine if it has a salty taste, avoid using drugs when alone or mixing drugs, and to have a naloxone kit on hand. Those who use drugs are also reminded they can do so under the supervision of medical professionals at the Carepoint Supervised Consumption and Treatment Service at 186 King Street seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
