Drug-checking machine now available in city

A new drug checking machine is now available to help people who use drugs make more informed choices and to help save lives.

A new Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) drug checking machine is now operational in Prince George in partnership with the POUNDS Project (Preventing Overdose Undoing Stigma).

The FTIR machine will allow trained staff at the POUNDS Project location in downtown Prince George to do advanced drug checking in the community including fentanyl and benzo testing. Drug checking is an evidence-informed harm reduction tool that allows people to check what is in their drugs. The machine can test a range of substances including opioids, stimulants and other psychoactive drugs such as MDMA.

The POUNDS Project said drug checking is one of many harm reduction tools to help keep individuals in the community safer and it strives to be a safe and inclusive space for all people who use drugs.

The support is offered to individuals who occasionally consume, those who do on the weekend, and folks who use substances daily and Individuals from any walk of life are welcome to visit Two Doors Down (1126 Third Avenue) to use the new service.

Drug checking services using the FTIR machine will be available six days a week -from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Wednesday-Saturday and in the evenings 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays).