HEROIN DETECTED IN PILLS

March 17, 2021 – Darmouth, NS

This report came from law enforcement regarding a recent sample seized by RCMP in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and was tested at the National Drug Analysis Service laboratory. The report indicated that “this substance is presented as a new form of exhibit that individuals may be unaware they are consuming”.

• Location/community of where the drug was used:
  Drug was likely distributed around HRM & surrounding areas

• Date and time when the drug was used:
  N/A

• Name(s) of the drug (i.e. what was assumed to be used):
  Unknown

• Description of the drug and its packaging:
  White, round, scored tablet with the logo “TEC” on one side.

• How the drug was used:
  N/A

• Observed reaction of the drug used:
  Tablets tested positive for the presence of heroin.

No photo of the drug was available.

Please share through your communication networks (e.g. posters in your service locations, conversations with individual clients, social media posting, etc).

Please also include the following harm reduction messages:

·       Don’t use alone, if possible. Keep a distance of 2 meters and respect public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 if using substances with others. If you have to use alone, call a trusted support person and let them know you are using alone and provide them with your location.

·       Start with a test dose. Start low, go slow.

·       Have naloxone available, even if you aren’t intentionally using opioids. Naloxone is available for free from most community pharmacies and other community locations, including needle distribution and disposal organizations. For more information about where to get a free naloxone kit and how to use it, visit http://www.nsnaloxone.com/

·       Call 911 in the event of an overdose. Know your rights under the Good Samaritan Act.