01/23/2026
We are sharing our care and concern for our community members, who are at heightened risk of harms due to the unpredictability of the strength and contents of drugs in the illegal drug supply.
This report came from a community source regarding crack co***ne that is suspected to contain benzodiazepines.
Location/community of where the drug was used: Hants County
Date and time when the drug was used: January 21, 2026
Name(s) of the drug (i.e. what was assumed to be used): Crack co***ne
Description of the drug and its packaging: Not available
How the drug was used: Unknown
Observed reaction of the drug used: NA
Test-strip results (if used): Positive test for benzodiazepines
No photo of the drug was available.
• Please share through your communication networks (e.g. posters in your service locations, conversations with individual clients, social media postings, etc.).
• Please also include the following harm reduction messages:
How to Stay Safe: Let someone know, start low, and go slow
✔ Do NOT use drugs alone – Use with someone you trust or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS. They will stay on the phone with you while you use, so they can get you help if needed.
✔ Start with a very small amount – These drugs are stronger than what people may expect or may be used to.
✔ Have naloxone ready – Naloxone can help with opioid overdoses, but it will NOT work on other substances, such as benzodiazepines. Even if you're unsure what substance caused an overdose, always give naloxone—it won’t harm the person, but it may help if opioids are involved.
✔ Call 911 immediately for any overdose – Even if naloxone is used, emergency help is still needed.
✔ Expect the unexpected – Always assume street drugs may not be what you think and contain drugs different from or stronger than you expect. Pills that look like real medicine could be fake.
✔ Avoid mixing drugs – Combining opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.
✔ Go to an overdose prevention site – If available in your area, these sites provide a safe space to use drugs with medical staff who can help in case of an emergency.
• ReFIX Halifax: 2151 Gottingen St. (902-209-9370)
• PeerSix Sydney: 75 Prince St. (902-567-1766)
🆘 If someone overdoses:
• Call 911 immediately – Tell them someone is unresponsive.
• Give naloxone if you have it. More than one dose may be needed if high potency opioids are involved. If there are no opioids, naloxone will be ineffective but will not cause harm – give it anyway.
• Stay with them and make sure they can breathe.
• If they stop breathing, perform CPR until help arrives.
Get Free Naloxone Kits:
Sa
Looking for help?
Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868; Text CONNECT to 686868
Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service - (Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30; Tues and Thurs until 8 pm) - 1-855-922-1122
211 Nova Scotia - information and referrals to community and social services: Call 2-1-1 or 1-855-466-4994; Email: help@ns.211.ca
More About Nova Scotia Health’s Drug Alert Service:
The purpose of the NSH Drug Alert System is primarily to receive and communicate community reports of overdose, suspected drug contamination, and other unexpected or elevated drug use-related harms. Information related to drug seizures by law enforcement may also be shared if substances of concern are detected. This list is intended for community-based organizations and health system services, and individuals interested in protecting their community. If you have any questions, would like to join, or would like to unsubscribe from this list, please send an email to NSDrugAlert@nshealth.ca.
