A community drug alert has been issued on a Nova Scotia First Nation. On Saturday, Membertou Health Centre said a community member self-reported they tested their cannabis which came back positive for fentanyl. “We shared this drug alert as we felt it was important information to share,” said Membertou Health Centre in a Facebook post. No further details were provided on this incident. It noted drug testing strips for fentanyl, xylazine and benzodiazepine are available at the Membertou Health Centre Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Testing strips are available after hours in the food pantry at the health centre. “Free naloxone kits are available through the Membertou Health Centre, Membertou Pharmasave and most pharmacies and harm reduction programs,” said a Facebook post from Membertou Community. According to the province, Nova Scotia’s Health Department and the Cape Breton Regional Police are investigating this incident. “In Nova Scotia, cannabis can be purchased legally only through the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. It is dangerous to consume cannabis from any vendor other than the NSLC. The consumption of fentanyl can lead to serious health impacts, including death,” the province said in a news release late Saturday night. “Nova Scotians are asked to notify local police authorities of any suspicious activity surrounding the sale of illegal cannabis.” Staying safe Membertou Health Centre shared a number of tips on how to stay safe when using drugs, including: It said if someone experiences an overdose, call 911 right away, give naloxone if available, stay with the person to ensure they can breathe, and perform CPR if they stop breathing. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
