New drug found in Scotland's 'highly toxic' street benzo supply

An urgent warning has been issued on changes to Scotland’s “highly toxic” street benzo supply, which could lead to overdose.

Public Health Scotland has said that a new sedative drug, medetomidine, has been detected in drugs sold as heroin and street benzos.

The “very strong” veterinary medicine can cause sudden collapse, loss of consciousness and can significantly increase the risk of overdose.

An alert has also been issued on changes to the street benzo market, which has seen new substances appearing and previously detected benzodiazepines, including clonazolam, re-emerging.

Clonazolam is linked to an increased risk due to its high potency.

New tablet types are also emerging, including jelly capsules.

Benzodiazepines, or “street benzos”, are known as a “downer drug” and result in slowed breathing and heart rate. They are often mis-sold and contaminated with other drugs.

Public Health Scotland has warned that, with multiple substances in circulation, the supply is increasingly inconsistent and poses a greater risk of accidental overdose.

The most recent Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) report describes the drug supply in Scotland as “highly toxic and unpredictable”.

Tara Shivaji, consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS, said: “During 2025, we saw a pattern of sudden and sharp increases in drug-related harms and an unstable, rapidly evolving drug supply in Scotland.

“We advise anyone who is using street drugs, or supporting someone else who is, to assume that they are contaminated with other drugs. Having someone who can help in an emergency is an important harm reduction measure, but there’s no safe way to take these substances. 

“PHS, through RADAR, identifies new and emerging drug harms. Most recently, we have developed the new Databelt system in partnership with Police Scotland, which is transforming the way suspected drug-related deaths are identified and used to support national and local responses.

“It’s imperative that our collective efforts continue as we work to reduce harm from drugs-related deaths are identified.

“There are many health services that can provide support for people affected by drugs in Scotland, for more information please visit NHS inform.”