Multiple folks overdose and one lifeless after contaminated medicine discovered on UK streets
An urgent warning has been issued after contaminated heroin linked to nitazenes caused one death and multiple overdoses in the Southport area of Merseyside
Multiple incidents were reported in Southport (file)(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
One person has lost their life and several others have suffered overdoses after a batch of suspected contaminated heroin spread across parts of Merseyside.
Public health officials revealed one individual died on April 13 following consumption of nitazenes, a class of extremely powerful synthetic substances that mimic heroin’s effects.
The fatality and numerous non-fatal overdoses have taken place in the Southport vicinity. Sefton Council has confirmed eight non-fatal overdoses across the borough, with the situation currently concentrated geographically around Southport.
An isolated but possibly connected incident has also occurred in Crosby. Health authorities, police and treatment services are collaborating closely to prevent additional harm, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Dr Rory McGill, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, commented: “These are deeply concerning events and our thoughts are with the families and friends affected.
“Nitazenes are far stronger than heroin and dramatically increase the risk of overdose, particularly when people do not know the substance is contaminated.
“We are urging anyone who uses drugs, or who knows someone who does, to take extra precautions. Avoid using alone, use much smaller amounts than usual, and carry naloxone where possible. If someone shows signs of overdose, call 999 immediately – it could save a life.
“Support is available, and nobody should feel they have to manage this risk on their own.” An urgent alert has also been released by the Cheshire and Merseyside Drug Local Drug Information System (LDIS).
The bulletin reads: “In recent days, there has been confirmation of contaminated batch/batches of heroin circulating in and around the Southport area, with other reports of concerns from other local areas across Cheshire and Merseyside.
“There have been a number of overdoses, some of which required hospitalisation and at least one which was fatal. Forensic testing has identified the synthetic opioid etonitazene in the supply.”
The alert continues: “Synthetic opiates are extremely high risk, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
“Using these drugs could result in you being hospitalised or dying.”
The Cheshire and Merseyside Local Drug Information System (LDIS) operates as a multi-agency network, which utilises existing local resources to gather, assess, and distribute warnings about new and/or novel, potent, adulterated, or contaminated substances.
It draws upon components from established local frameworks and operates independently but alongside the protocol employed by Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) centres and national teams to evaluate drugs intelligence and, where necessary, issue national briefings or alerts.
The bulletin released by the LDIS offers information and advice on how drug users can protect themselves.
This encompasses individuals ensuring they possess naloxone – an emergency treatment utilised to temporarily counteract the deadly consequences of opioid overdoses – and that they’re aware of its location.
People are additionally urged to refrain from combining substances, including with alcohol, which significantly heightens overdose risks.
Those consuming drugs are recommended to ‘start small and proceed gradually’, beginning with a minimal quantity and waiting at least two hours before taking any more, while avoiding solitary drug use.
Testing strips are also obtainable through local drug teams. While not entirely foolproof, they can assist in detecting whether substances have been contaminated with more dangerous compounds.
Anyone with worries should ring 999 or contact their local drug service.
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