Warning of 'extreme risk' to Cork heroin users as eight non-fatal overdoses reported in 36 hours

The HSE and FSI are carrying out and analysis to identify the exact composition of this substance

Following 'recent cases of serious overdose' The HSE issued a warning late on Thursday of nitazene-type opioids being sold as heroin in Cork City. Picture: iStock

The HSE has issued an “extreme risk” warning after a powerful drug has been linked to eight non-fatal overdoses in the Cork region over the last 36 hours.

Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) has confirmed that a trace amount of a Nitazene-type substance - a synthetic opioid  sold more than 60 years ago as a morphine alternative but never approved for the medical market - has been identified in a light brown powder associated with Cork city overdoses.