Canadian health officials warn World Cup visitors about toxic illicit drug supply
Health authorities in Vancouver and Toronto are issuing warnings to World Cup visitors about the unpredictable and highly toxic illicit drug supply in Canada, which has killed over 16,000 people since 2016. The warnings note that drugs in Canada may contain dangerous contaminants like fentanyl and could differ significantly from what visitors are accustomed to in their home countries. Officials are promoting harm reduction strategies including drug testing services, naloxone availability, and low-dose use protocols.
As Canada prepares to host World Cup matches in Vancouver and Toronto, health officials are actively warning international visitors about the risks posed by the country's toxic illicit drug supply. The BC Centre for Disease Control has labeled substance use harms as a "moderate risk" for the games, while both Vancouver Coastal Health and Toronto Public Health have issued public health guidance. Officials emphasize that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and may contain fentanyl or other lethal contaminants in substances including opioids, cocaine, MDMA, and counterfeit pills. Health authorities are promoting harm reduction measures such as drug-checking services, carrying naloxone, and starting with low doses. Notably, officials acknowledge that while the warnings are important for visitors, the most vulnerable populations are local residents, with Dr. Mark Lysyshyn noting that traveler overdose deaths are uncommon compared to deaths among British Columbia residents.
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- Global News CanadaCenter
Know the risks, World Cup visitors warned over Canada’s toxic drug supply
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