Fresh HSE red alert on synthetic opioids in Cork and Dublin

The warning follows the discovery of two types of nitazenes, often far more powerful than heroin, in the Irish drug market.

The HSE has issued a red alert warning following the discovery of synthetic opioids in drugs sold in both Cork and Dublin.

The warning follows the discovery of two different types of nitazenes, which are often far more powerful than heroin, in the Irish drug market.

These strong synthetic opioids can cause "serious overdoses, hospitalisation or death", the HSE warned.

The drugs can come in the form of variety of different coloured powders, and have been detected in illicit tablets in the UK.

The HSE said it is continuing to monitor the market, but encouraged the public to treat all powders with "extreme caution".

Nitazene led to 57 overdoses in Dublin in November, followed by 20 overdoses in Cork.

Recent analysis published in The Lancet journal suggests the version detected in Ireland, N-pyrrolidino protonitazene, can be up to up 100 times more potent than heroin.

This would also make it twice as strong as fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that has caused devastation in the US.

We are issuing new drug information this Bank Holiday weekend as a second type of nitazene, ‘Protonitazene’ has been identified. These products could come in a variety of different coloured powders sold on the heroin market. There is a high risk when using powders at this time. pic.twitter.com/Dr49HmgrEY

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) February 2, 2024

People have been warned to mind themselves and care for others, ensure they have a safety plan in place if considering taking drugs while the warning remains.

"It's safer not to use drugs at all, if you do, follow harm reduction advice," the statement read.

The HSE has also encouraged the public to access drug treatment to protect against overdose.