Mental health doctors have issued an urgent warning after 'extremely dangerous heroin' has been in circulation, containing a substance '50 times more powerful than heroin'.
The heroin is 'linked to a high number of drug deaths' in recent weeks, according to Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust (GMMH), based in Bury, which shared advice on the substance today (August 19).
Those who may come across the drug should 'make sure you have a supply of naloxone' and 'watch for signs of an overdose', the trust has said.
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In a statement issued on Facebook, GMMH said: "Warning: extremely dangerous heroin may be in circulation
"This is linked to a high number of drug deaths over the past few weeks."
Sharing more information, the trust said: "We have been alerted to a number of unintentional overdoses including some deaths in the last few weeks among heroin users in the south of England.
"When tested, the heroin was found to contain a synthetic opioid called isotonitazene.
"Isotonitazene is thought to be at least as potent as fentanyl and 50 times more potent than heroin.
"The adulterated heroin may be paler in colour than usual and may become darker than usual when dissolved for injection. However, reports had varied.
"Cases have been identified in the south of England in three areas, hundreds of miles apart.
"Therefore, is it wise to reduce your risks.
"Make sure you have a supply of naloxone, watch out for signs of an overdose and do not use alone, have naloxone handy and be prepared to use it - you may have to use more than one dose. Start any new batch of heroin with a test dose, 1/4 the size of anything you would normally take."
For more information, GMMH says people should contact their local addictions service.
