Island Health issues toxic drug alert for Greater Victoria, Cowichan, Nanaimo

Published 2:13 pm Friday, February 27, 2026

Drug poisonings are increasing in Greater Victoria, Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo, warns Island Health.

“Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk,” reads an alert issued Friday (Feb. 27).

If someone overdoses, Island Health says to call 911 and stay with the person, give one breath every five seconds and give naloxone.

For safer drug use, the health authority recommends visiting a local overdose prevention service, not mixing substances, carrying naloxone, staggering use with a friend and getting drugs checked.

For more information on Island supervised consumption sites and drug-checking services, visit islandhealth.ca.

In Victoria, overdose prevention services are available at The Harbour at 941 Pandora Ave. from 8 a.m. to 7.m., Rock Bay Landing at 535 Ellice St. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and AVI at 713 Johnson St. from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Substance UVic offers drug checking at 1802 Cook St., Monday to Friday from noon to 7 p.m.

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