Authorities have spoken out after a drug stronger than heroin was found in fake medicines in the Greater Glasgow area. 

Data collected from 142 samples across Glasgow, Dumbarton, and Clydebank revealed that new synthetic drugs called nitazenes have surfaced in the city.

These are opioids stronger than heroin and fentanyl, which the National Crime Agency said have contributed to 65 deaths in Scotland between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024.

The substances were found in fake medication sold as Diazepam, a class-C drug used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.

Diazepam requires a prescription, however, these were most likely purchased from illicit online pharmacies, according to WEDINOS, the UK's only drug-checking service which collected the data.

The firm also said they were “in every kind of visible sense, the same kind of packet you might get from your chemist on the high street”.

On at least three occasions, what buyers received was Bromazolam and Metonitazene, a class-A nitazene.

The white and blue tablets were found in the G7, G14 and G83 areas, between September 11 last year and July 11 this year.

Police Scotland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde both confirmed that they are aware of the emergence of the new synthetic opioids and are monitoring trends.

They also confirmed an ongoing partnership with Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government, which aims to raise awareness and reduce harm caused by substance use.

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A force spokesperson said: “We continue to work in partnership to reduce substance harm as well as explore solutions to help address the significant level of drug deaths in Scotland.

“Police Scotland is also committed to disrupting organised criminality in all its forms, including the supply of drugs in our communities. We can’t tackle this alone and we rely on the support of the public to help us build intelligence on any drug-related issues.

"Anyone with information about the supply of drugs should report it to police through 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.” 

An NHSGGC spokesperson added: "In December 2023, we participated in a national campaign to alert people who use synthetic opiates, and those who work with them, to be aware of potential risks.

"We continue to drive awareness of these drugs and encourage people to carry naloxone to use in an overdose situation. 

"We also encourage anyone who uses any illicitly bought drugs (street or online) and is concerned about fentanyl and nitazenes to submit a sample to WEDINOS. This is currently the fastest testing route."