By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On Jan. 31, 2023, the province of British Columbia decriminalized personal possession of some drugs, which would allot for 2.5 grams of opioid (heroin, morphine, and fentanyl), crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy) for personal use, for a three year period.
Continue reading Municipal governments respond to public drug consumption amid decriminalization project
By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Vancouver Island, BC – A lab was shut down in late March, stopping $7.8 million worth of fentanyl and cocaine that were meant to be distributed throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Vancouver Police Departments launched the Toluene Project in January to focus on criminals manufacturing and trafficking illicit drugs throughout the region.
Continue reading Drug checking shows unpredictable list of additives contributing to death toll
By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
People who use drugs are cautiously optimistic about British Columbia’s forthcoming move to decriminalize possession of some drugs, but frontline harm reduction groups across the province say uncertainty about how it will be enforced is hampering their efforts to prepare.
On Jan. 31, B.C. will become the first jurisdiction in Canada to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, MDMA and methamphetamine for personal use.
Continue reading It’s the ‘Eve of Decriminalization’ for Drug Possession in BCOriginally published on qathet Living
By Isabelle Southcott
More than most, Debbie Dee’s words hold weight on issues affecting marginalized locals. So when she stood at the lectern at the Evergreen Theatre on September 14, the 200-plus people who had come to discuss solutions to the escalating crime issue listened intently. Debbie has been executive director of the Powell River Brain Injury Society since 2003. She was a Powell River city councillor from 2008 to 2014. In her speech at the meeting, she revealed that last year, she lost her step-son, Bodie, to a fentanyl overdose.
Debbie was very clear: Powell River’s support system for struggling people isn’t working. It’s not working for people with addictions, mental health challenges and sometimes brain injuries. It’s not working for the wider community, who have to live with theft, vandalism, and fear.
Continue reading More Chaos, Less Patience – qathet has a serious crime problem
By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
British Columbia’s toxic drug supply killed 195 more people in May, putting 2022 on course to be the third consecutive deadliest year in the public health emergency.
More than six people died each day on average in May, the BC Coroners Service reported today. That’s the highest number ever recorded in the month of May.
Continue reading Toxic Drug Toll Continues Deadly Climb
