Spate of drugs deaths in Glasgow may be linked to crack cocaine 'laced with spice'

A spate of drugs deaths in Glasgow may be linked to crack cocaine which could be laced with synthetic cannabinoids, or spice.

Officials have issued a warning to users to avoid the drug following investigations into reports of people falling unwell in recent weeks.

Users have experienced rapid loss of consciousness, impaired breathing and collapse, as well as vomiting and seizures. Deaths linked to the drug have also been reported.

Glasgow & West

Man dies and another in hospital after group of people take unwell

A cordon was put in place overnight after a group of people took unwell in Glasgow on Monday evening.

The warning comes after a 52-year-old man died and three people required medical treatment after falling unwell on Cambridge Street on September 8.

Investigators are treating the incident as drug-related.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow City Alcohol and Drugs Partnership have urged drug users and drug services to be aware of the issue and to avoid crack cocaine amid the contamination issue.

Officials say spice is unpredictable and difficult to dose accurately and that other contaminates may also be involved.

Even in the smallest quantities, spice can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness and death.

A multi-agency Incident Management Team is working on the ongoing issue.

Dr Daniel Carter, NHSGGC consultant in Public Health Medicine, said: “We would like to extend our condolences to anyone who has lost a loved one to drug use.

“We encourage anyone who uses drugs including crack cocaine to access drug services and follow harm reduction advice to help keep themselves safe.”