One person has passed away and eight others have been hospitalised with overdoses after ingesting what is being described as ‘bad heroin.’
A contaminated drug, believed to be a form of heroin, has been circulated in Southport, leading to the death of one individual earlier this month.
The unidentified person passed away after consuming nitazenes, described as a group of extremely potent, synthetic drugs that copy the effect of heroin.
The Liverpool Echo have reported that the death and a number of non-fatal overdoses have occurred in Southport.
Sefton Council confirmed a total of eight non-fatal overdoses.
Dr Rory McGill, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “These are deeply concerning events and our thoughts are with the families and friends affected.
“Nitazenes are far stronger than heroin and dramatically increase the risk of overdose, particularly when people do not know the substance is contaminated.
“We are urging anyone who uses drugs, or who knows someone who does, to take extra precautions. Avoid using alone, use much smaller amounts than usual, and carry naloxone where possible. If someone shows signs of overdose, call 999 immediately – it could save a life.“