Calgary drug-checking pilot aims to prevent deaths, track rates of drug toxicity

The mobile drug-checking service would operate out of a van at different sites across the city. Users would be able to submit samples of drugs to be tested for toxic substances before they're used, such as fentanyl. After seeing the test results, they’d be given the choice of whether or not to consume the drugs. Both people addicted to substances and recreational users would have access to the service. The project is modelled around other drug-checking services already in place across the country. The advocacy group running the system hopes to have the service operational in Calgary later this year, with a goal of developing a strategy that can be used to provide the service across the province. For the pilot to become operational, it needs a health exemption from the PHAC for the handling of illicit substances.