Island Health warns deadly carfentanil in Alberni Valley

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WATCH: Carfentanil has been detected in the Port Alberni Valley and Island Health says it’s causing severe overdoses and fatalities

A serious warning from Island Health: the dangerous drug carfentanil has been detected in the Port Alberni and the Alberni Valley.

 Island Health says it’s causing severe overdoses and fatalities.

Carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

It’s used to tranquilize large animals like elephants.

But as the fentanyl crisis continues to grip British Columbia, carfentanil is showing up in more Vancouver Island communities.

To combat an overdose, up to 20 vials of nalaxone are needed, compared to just two to four for fentanyl.

Island Health is warning people to be careful to and call 911 immediately if someone overdoses so they can get help in time.

Tess van StraatenTess van Straaten

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