Alert issued over synthetic opioids linked to 38 deaths in three months

Public Health Scotland has issued a warning on synthetic opioids nitazenes after the drugs were detected in 38 deaths in just three months.

Nitazenes are most commonly detected as a contaminant in drugs sold as heroin, benzodiazepines and oxycodone and have been increasingly detected in post-mortem examinations across Scotland, the body said.

An alert has been issued through the Rapid Actions Drug Alerts and Response (Radar), led by Public Health Scotland (PHS), that the laboratory-made opioids pose a substantial risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death.

The alert was issued “to respond to increasing harms and availability in the drugs supply”, according to PHS, which said data within the latest Radar quarterly report indicates nitazene-type opioids were increasingly identified in hospital and post-mortem toxicology.

Between January and March 2025, nitazenes were detected in 38 deaths.

Drugs minister Maree Todd said the synthetic drugs could be “hundreds” of times stronger than typical drugs.

Todd said: “Every drug death is a tragedy, and my condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one.

“We are working hard to respond to the growing threat from highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes.

“These synthetic drugs can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin and can increase the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death.

“Because of their strength, I would urge anyone who carries naloxone to have extra life-saving kits with them and follow guidance on the Public Health Scotland and Scottish Drugs Forum websites.

“I am determined to do more to tackle the harm caused by drugs and that is why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes, including widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone.

“We have also opened the UK’s first safer drug consumption facility, which is saving lives, and are working at pace to deliver drug-checking facilities.”