Drugs supply ‘more toxic’ in Scotland
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 drugrelated 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.
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 £250 million 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.”