High-Risk Synthetic Opioid Sold As Heroin In Dublin & Cork

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has sounded the alarm for heroin users in Cork and Dublin following the emergence of a dangerous synthetic opioid known as n-pyrrolidino protonitazene in both cities. For these areas, a red alert is still in place, meaning that heroin users are considered to be at “extreme risk” of receiving the drug under false pretences of being “new” or “strong” heroin.

Synthetic Opioid poses extreme Health Risks, says HSE

Since the beginning of last month, a startling number of overdoses in both cities have been connected to this new substance, which has a light brown or tan appearance. The HSE is strongly urging caution, emphasising the high risk for individuals using heroin at this time. Users are being warned not to purchase new types of drugs, new batches, or substances from unfamiliar sources.

The HSE’s drugs task force has emphasised that such synthetic opioids may surface sporadically and unexpectedly in the drug market. As a result, the health service advises users to ensure they have access to the potentially life-saving anti-opioid drug naloxone and to put in place a safety plan.

This alert comes on the heels of a similar caution issued by the HSE in early December, when eight overdoses linked to a new powder on the heroin market were reported in Cork within a span of two days. Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) confirmed the presence of a nitrazine-type substance in the light brown powder associated with the overdoses in Cork.A synthetic opioid called nitrazine was marketed more than 60 years ago as a substitute for morphine, but it was never authorised for use in medicine.

The HSE’s warning echoes a prior alert issued for the Dublin region in November, responding to a surge in overdoses reported there. The fact that these occurrences keep happening emphasises how urgent it is to fix the current problem.

In conclusion, the HSE’s repeated warnings highlight the critical need for awareness and vigilance among heroin users in Cork and Dublin. The appearance of this new synthetic opioid poses a serious threat to public health, and the HSE is urging individuals to prioritise their safety by avoiding new substances and being prepared with life-saving measures such as naloxone.