Dangerous opioid as strong as fentanyl found near bodies of two people in their 40s
An opioid as dangerous as fentanyl was found at the scene where a man and woman died from suspected drug-related causes.
The victims, both in their 40s, were discovered at an address in Basildon, Essex, on Tuesday.
Investigators detected the presence of etonitazene, a synthetic opioid which has a similar or higher toxicity to the deadly drug fentanyl.
Synthetic opioids are sometimes added to other illicit drugs, such as heroin, to enhance their strength. But they substantially increase the risk of respiratory arrest.
Police are now worried etonitazene – known by its street name Pyro – may turn up in other drugs on the black market.
Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes urged people to avoid illegal drugs altogether but issued some advice to those choosing to do so.
He said: ‘I would urge people not to take any illegal substances at any time, but particularly not at this time.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a powerful class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant.
While they include the illegal drugs heroin and fentanyl, they are also used in prescription pain medicine.
They contain chemicals that relax the body and can relieve pain and make users feel ‘high’ – euphoric and happy.
Opioids are highly addictive and overdoses are common, with heroin killing far more people in the UK than any other drug.
Heroin becomes even more dangerous when it is mixed with highly potent opioids, like fentanyl, which is often more dangerous.
Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse and Talk to Frank
‘We strongly advise anyone using drugs not to use alone.
‘Immediate advice is to avoid using heroin altogether. However, if you do choose to take it, we would urge you to follow these steps:
‘Ensure there is someone to watch out for you who is not under the influence. Take less than you normally would and wait before continuing.
‘Have opioid antidote, naloxone, to hand. Current advice is that naloxone should work to counteract the effects of nitazine-type drugs.
‘Be ready to call for help – urgent medical intervention may make all the difference.
If you or someone you love needs help with drug abuse:
There are multiple different types of services available for people struggling with drug addiction, including harm-reduction ones.
You can search for specific treatments near you on the Talk to Frank website or call their helpline on 0300 123 6600.
The NHS also offers advice and suggests speaking with your GP.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or drinking, call 999 for an ambulance and tell the crew everything you know.
‘Don’t use with other depressants – particularly avoid consuming other depressants such as alcohol, pregabalin, gabapentin or other opiates – these can amplify the risk of respiratory arrest.
‘People need to look out for each other and be alert to any signs of an opioid overdose, such as shallow breathing, loss of consciousness and blue lips or fingertips.
‘If someone does overdose it’s vital to act fast, call for an ambulance immediately.
‘We strongly advise all drug users to get support from local drug services, as being in treatment greatly reduces the risks of harm and overdose.’
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