Norfolk County Council working to crack down on dangerous new opioids
Nitazenes are illegal and can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin.
Norfolk County Council, as part of the Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Partnership, has responded to the growing concern around new synthetic opioids, called nitazenes, which are being introduced to the UK from abroad.
Nitazenes are illegal and can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin.
The contamination of illicit drugs with nitazenes has increased nationally, and these synthetic opioids are believed to have led to accidental overdoses and deaths across the UK since last summer.
Nitazenes are being found in a variety of illicit drugs, including but not limited to heroin. This poses a significant risk to illicit drug users.
Cllr Bill Borrett, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “This new development is extremely concerning: the potential for nitazenes to contaminate illegal drugs used locally and cause potential problems is high. "
The council say they're taking steps to protect Norfolk residents by working with key organisations such as the police, drug treatment services and local NHS partners to prevent further harm to those who may be at risk of unknowingly taking drugs mixed with nitazenes.
The council are encouraging those in the county who use illegal drugs to seek professional guidance from services, and take advantage of free treatment to reduce both their reliance on drugs and likelihood of severe threats to their health.”
A National Patient Safety Alert for potent synthetic opioids was issued in July 2023 by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.
Safety information and guidance has been shared at relevant forums across Norfolk, including among the police, drug and alcohol services, Norfolk County Council’s Public Health team and local NHS partners, who are working together to identify trends and themes in drug usage and drug related incidents in order to reduce the risks to drug users.