Urgent warning after synthetic opioids linked to 38 deaths in Scotland over just three months

Public Health Scotland, in just three months in Scotland in only 38 deaths after connecting a synthetic opioid, a warning about Nitazesenes.

These laboratory -made substances are most commonly found as pollutants in heroin, benzodiazepines and drugs sold as oxycodone. After Mortem, it is increasingly defined in exams.

Fast Actions managed by PHS emphasizes the “overdose, hospitalization and death risk” through drug warnings and responses (radar).

PHS, “Hospital and post -death toxicology in toxicology, referring to the recent radar data showing the increasing detection of nitazen type opioids,” to respond to increased damages and availability in drug supply “warning was given.

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

Drug Minister Maree Todd said synthetic drugs could be “hundreds of” times stronger than typical drugs.

Mrs Todd said: “Every drug death is a tragedy and condolences to everyone who lost someone who is loved.

“We are working hard to respond to the growing threat from extremely dangerous synthetic opioids, such as nitazans.

“These synthetic drugs can be hundreds of times stronger than hero and may increase the risk of overdose, hospitalization and death.

“Because of their forces, I urge everyone carrying Naloxone to buy extra kits that save lives with them and follow guidance on public health Scotland and Scottish Drug Forum websites.

Um I am determined to do more to deal with the damage caused by drugs, and therefore we provide record levels for drug and alcohol programs, including expanding the access to housing, housing rehabilitation and life -saving Naloxon.

“We also opened the UK’s first safer drug consumption facility and is working quickly to offer drug control facilities.”