Concern over counterfeit drugs from 'online pharmacies'
The WEDINOS annual report shows a rise in samples containing 'unknown' substances
Health experts in Wales say they are concerned about the number of counterfeit drugs being bought from so-called 'online pharmacies'.
New research from Public Health Wales suggests people are buying medicines believing they're genuine but many contain 'unknown' substances or stronger doses than expected.
The Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances (WEDINOS) Annual Report 2022-23, shows the number of samples containing the presence of “unknown” substances continues to rise.
Over the past year, 39 per cent of samples submitted to WEDINOS, the drug testing service run by Public Health Wales, did not contain what their buyer expected. That is up from 35 per cent in 2021-22.
Professor Rick Lines, Head of Substance Misuse at Public Health Wales and WEDINOS said “These findings underline the importance of WEDINOS to the harm reduction response in Wales.
"We are unique in the UK and in that our work gives early warning to problems within the illicit drugs market.
"Our monitoring allows timely and accurate information regarding the chemical profile of samples, alongside appropriate harm reduction information, to substance misuse services and the public.
"In total, WEDINOS received and analysed 6,656 samples from 74 services and settings across the UK last year, as well as from individuals.
"Benzodiazepines were the most commonly identified chemical group of psychoactive substances for the fifth year running.
"Bromazolam was the most commonly identified drug within that group, closely followed by MDMA and diazepam.
"In 2021, 61 drug misuse deaths in Wales involved benzodiazepines, up from 35 in 2020."