What new substances have been detected in Scotland's drug supply?

New substances such as medetomidine, a sedative, have been detected, often mixed with heroin and benzodiazepines. Additionally, potent substances like clonazolam have re-emerged in the street benzodiazepine market.

What is the main advice from health officials regarding street drugs in Scotland?

Health officials are advising anyone using street drugs, or supporting someone who is, to assume that the drugs are contaminated with other substances.

How are health services in Scotland addressing the drug contamination issue?

Efforts include the development of the Databelt system to identify suspected drug-related deaths and inform responses, alongside existing health services providing support for affected individuals.

Home / Health / Assume Drugs Are Tainted: Scotland's Urgent Health Warning

Assume Drugs Are Tainted: Scotland's Urgent Health Warning

5 Feb

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Summary

Health officials urge drug users to assume street drugs are contaminated.
New, unfamiliar substances like medetomidine detected in drug supply.
Clonazolam's re-emergence increases risk due to high potency.

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.