2 suspected overdose deaths in Nelson, Interior Health warns about 'toxic drugs'

Interior Health has issued a warning over "toxic drugs" in Nelson, B.C., after a series of overdoses on Sunday.

The Nelson Police Department confirmed two people died from suspected toxic overdoses in the Fairview hospital area of the city. Police said a third man was taken to hospital from the Railtown area.

Sgt. Nate Holt explainedthey are awaiting toxicology reports to confirm the cause of death.Still, he said police are conducting an investigation into the origin of toxic strains of drugs and are engaging with stakeholders in Nelson including Interior Health.

The health agency did not say how many people suffered overdoses, but said their outcomes were "severe."

No specific drugs or substance has been identified. The warning is in effect until Feb. 23.

Drug users are advised to use drugs at an overdose prevention or supervised consumption site, to carry naloxone and not to use drugs alone.