Assume Drugs Are Tainted: Scotland's Urgent Health Warning

Health authorities in Scotland are issuing a critical warning to users of street drugs, urging them to operate under the assumption that their supply is contaminated with other substances. This alert comes amidst growing concerns over a notable increase in drug-related harms, linked to significant shifts within the drug supply.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has recently identified new and unfamiliar substances circulating within the country. One particular concern involves medetomidine, a sedative drug, which has most frequently been found mixed with drugs sold as heroin and benzodiazepines. Additionally, the street benzodiazepine market is experiencing the appearance of new substances and the resurgence of others, including clonazolam, which poses an increased risk due to its high potency.

These alerts stem from the multi-agency rapid action drug alerts and response (radar) system, led by PHS. A January report indicated that Scotland's drug supply remains highly toxic and unpredictable, with contamination exacerbating the dangers. Tara Shivaji, from PHS, noted a pattern of sharp increases in drug-related harms throughout 2025, driven by an unstable drug supply. She stressed the importance of having someone available to assist in emergencies as a harm reduction measure, while reiterating that no method of consuming these substances is safe.

Efforts are ongoing to combat this issue, including the development of the Databelt system in partnership with Police Scotland. This system aims to improve the identification of suspected drug-related deaths and inform national and local responses. PHS emphasizes the continued need for collective efforts to reduce drug-related harm and directs individuals to NHS inform for information on available health services.