Thread by @SubstanceUVic

Our Quarter 3 report is now available on our website. It showcases #drugchecking findings from July 1st - September 30th, 2020, in #yyj. Below are some key findings from the last quarter ⏬

substance.uvic.ca/doc/2020-Q3.pdf

We tested a total of 456 samples. This
shows an increased uptake of testing from the prior quarter, where we only tested 269 samples. This increase was seen across every drug category. Find our first two quarterly reports here:

substance.uvic.ca/#reports

Adulteration with other notable components was highest for samples expected to be methamphetamine (29%), cocaine HCl or base (21%), opioid - down (17%) or dissociative (16%), demonstrating the volatility of the illicit drug supply which continues to be impacted by prohibition.

Benzodiazepines were detected in 13% of samples expected to be opioid - down, and xylazine in one sample. This recent article by @samhatobias et. al. describes the detection of #xylazine as a novel adulterant found in the down-opioid supply.

qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?m…

#Fentanyl or fentanyl analogues were detected in 93% of samples expected to be opioid - down, and
48% of samples that were unknown/missing/other. We continue to develop our quantification methods and hope to present preliminary data when available.

As the overdose emergency and COVID-19 pandemic continues within BC, our service continues to see a highly variable and unpredictable supply containing a wide range of notable components with the potential for unexpected effects.

Come get your dope checked! We continue to offer #drugchecking services 5 days a week in Victoria, BC.

Our hours of operation and more information are on our website: substance.uvic.ca

@UVic_CISUR @BarclayWallace @dkhgroup @chemistryatuvic @UVic_SOCW

📸Jay Wallace