BELFAST, Northern Ireland – A recent report from a coroner has revealed that super strength street drugs, known as Nitazenes, are being linked to multiple deaths in Northern Ireland for the first time. The drugs, which are said to be 500 times stronger than morphine, have been implicated in the deaths of six individuals with an average age of 28. Local authorities fear that the death toll may continue to rise as more tests are conducted.
Coroner Joe McCrisken has warned that Nitazenes pose a serious danger to public health and have been circulating in Northern Ireland since April 2022. Drug addiction services in the area are stressing the need for more rapid intervention and testing to address the growing synthetic drugs problem.
Nitazenes, developed in the 1950s as a pain-killing medication, are highly potent and addictive, yet have never been approved for medical or therapeutic use. According to the Public Health Agency (PHA) in Northern Ireland, these new synthetic opioids have varying levels of potency that can have damaging effects on the body. Mixing Nitazenes with other drugs or alcohol significantly increases the risk of overdose and death.
Gary McMichael, chief executive of the charity ASCERT, has labeled Nitazenes as a “game changer” in terms of the risk of serious harm, overdose, and death. He emphasizes the importance of moving quickly with a strategy to prevent further tragedies and provide support to vulnerable individuals affected by addiction.
In light of the recent deaths linked to Nitazenes, it is crucial for authorities and support services to act swiftly to address the emerging crisis in Northern Ireland. The public is urged to seek help and support for addiction through available resources.
In summary, Nitazenes, a new category of highly potent synthetic opioids, have been identified as a significant factor in multiple deaths in Northern Ireland. The urgency to implement effective strategies and support systems to address this public health threat is paramount.