World Cup Fans Beware: Vancouver's Toxic Drug Scene

0:00It's March 30th. I'm Corey with The Story, and this is Vancouver News Today, local news powered by AI. World Cup fans heading to Vancouver for the matches need to watch out for the province's toxic drug supply. Dr. Paxton Bach, from St. Paul's Hospital, warns that unregulated drugs here are laced with super potent opioids like fentanyl, catching. International visitors, off guard. Games run from June 13th to July 7th at BC Play Stadium, drawing tens of thousands who might not know the risks. This crisis is unlike what most folks experience elsewhere, with drugs hitting unpredictably hard, even contaminating stuff like cocaine. Vancouver Coastal Health reports the area has some of the highest overdose deaths in British Columbia, around 5,000 out of over 18. Since 2000, since the 2016 Public Health Emergency, local leaders and health teams are stepping up with awareness pushes on social media and at venues, sharing info with FIFA and Consulates.

1:01The city's know before you go campaign, cover safety, including drug warnings, while groups like Good Night Out Vancouver, gear up patrols and party. Spots like Granbill Street, they're expanding shifts during games, handing out test strips for fentanyl and benzos, plus naloxone kits that are easy to grab from pharmacies or sites like Towards the Heart. Occasional users, especially guys, 18 to 34, are to prime fan demo face big risks from even small amounts. Stay smart out there, if you're using, duel with friends, test your stuff and carry naloxone to reverse overdose as fast. Officials keep prepping so everyone can enjoy the cup safely.