Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is issuing a warning following a recent increase in purple heroin locally.
The Health Unit says purple heroin, which is laced with fentanyl and other purple coloured additives has been reported in the Belleville and Quinte West area.
This drug has been linked to at least one known overdose.
Emergency medical response teams have also reported a recent increase in opioid overdose calls prompting the warning.
HPE Public Health is warning people who use drugs to be aware of the risks associated with using purple heroin or any illicit drug that may contain fentanyl.
Fentanyl is an opioid that can be 100 times stronger than morphine.
Get a Naloxone (Narcan) kit as this is the only medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Call the Health Unit at 613-966-5500 for more information on Naloxone Nasal Spray kits and opioid overdose prevention training.
