Supply of illegal drugs increasingly toxic and unpredictable, Public Health Scotland report finds

The supply of illegal drugs in Scotland seems “increasingly toxic and unpredictable”, a report has found, as powerful synthetic opioids appear more often in the market.

Nitazenes and xylazine, both of which can easily lead to overdoses, are increasingly showing up in sample testing by public health experts – sometimes being mis-sold as other less powerful drugs.

However, suspected drug deaths are down by 8% during the period between March and May this year while drug-related hospital admissions have fallen by 11% in the first quarter of the year.

The data is contained in the quarterly Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (Radar) report from PHS (Public Health Scotland).

It found incidents of naloxone administration – designed to prevent overdoses – were up by 5% and emergency department attendances rose by 2%.

The drugs most commonly associated with harm are benzodiazepines, cocaine and opioids while new synthetic drugs are playing an increasing role in harm.

Earlier this month, an updated warning was issued about nitazenes being mis-sold as heroin or diazepam and unexpectedly ending up in the drugs supply.

The Radar report noted: “The drug supply appears increasingly toxic and unpredictable.

“We have received reports and toxicology data highlighting that a range of drugs are suspected to be adulterated – meaning a substance is added to a drug product to either intentionally or unintentionally change its composition, quality or strength.”

Responding to the latest Radar report, Drugs Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “My condolences go to all those who have lost a loved one.

“Through our £250m National Mission on drugs, we are taking a wide range of measures to reduce harm and save lives.

“These include supporting the opening of a Safer Drug Consumption Facility pilot, widening access to naloxone and delivering drug-checking facilities which will enable us to respond faster to emerging drug trends.

“We’re working hard to respond to the growing threat from highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply.

“Such synthetics, which increase the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death, are being found in a range of substances. I would urge people at risk to follow the guidance issued by PHS in their alert and carry a life-saving naloxone kit if possible.

“As this threat grows the Radar project plays a vital part in providing an early warning to services and the public.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said “far too many” lives are being lost to drugs, adding: “Every single one of these deaths is preventable and every single one is a tragedy.

“There is no room for complacency when so much damage is still being done – the SNP must continue working to ensure that people can get the lifesaving treatment they need.”

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the pace of change in Scotland has been “glacial”.

“The SNP has abjectly failed to address the drugs death crisis, and while this tragedy continues they have delivered real-terms cuts to drug services,” he added.

“Well-meaning words and promises just won’t cut it.

“Without more action we will only see more tragedy. The Government needs to protect and strengthen the drug and alcohol budget so that everyone can access care when they need it.”