World Cup visitors need to be warned about Vancouver’s toxic drug supply, advocates say

Harm reduction advocates are telling stakeholders that tourists need to be warned about Vancouver’s toxic drug supply.

With the World Cup now just over two months away, harm reduction advocates are urging health authorities and other stakeholders to communicate with visitors about the risks of Vancouver’s toxic illicit drug supply.

“We know that with an event like this and with all of the excitement and the parties that come with it, that some people may choose to use unregulated substances,” said Dr. Paxton Bach, an addictions medicine specialist at St. Paul’s Hospital.

As the clock counts down to the biggest sporting event in the world, Bach says the messaging needs to be there.

“We need to make sure that above all else, that people are going to come here, enjoy themselves, enjoy the World Cup, and be safe while doing so.”

Good Night Out Vancouver, an organization that sends street teams out to promote late-night safety in the city’s entertainment district, echoed the doctor’s concerns.

“Dr. Bach is completely right, those users are particularly vulnerable, the ones who maybe only use socially after taking in a game and consuming some beers,” said the group’s Stacey Forrester

“We do really want to cater our messaging to that particular demographic, because we know that people go out and purchase MDMA or perhaps cocaine. We see it every weekend when we’re out on our street team. And so, we’re prepared for that really to be magnified.”

The teams will be out in force before, during and after World Cup matches, even those that are not being played in Vancouver, according to Forrester.

Bach stressed that Vancouver is a safe city, but that the toxic drug supply continues to present a deadly risk to people who use drugs regardless of how much or how often they consume illicit substances.

“It’s just a very unpredictable time,” added Bach.

Vancouver Coastal Health, in a statement, said the concerns raised by Bach and Forrester are on the radar of the health authority.

“As the games approach, VCH will promote the risks associated with the toxic-drug crisis and how to mitigate those risks as visitors begin to arrive in Vancouver,” a spokesperson wrote.