25-07-2025
Health bosses issue warning after recent heroin use leads to serious harm and death in Dumfries and Galloway
Synthetic opioids and animal tranquilisers, as well other combinations of substances, have been found in the drug supply in Scotland.
Health bosses have issued an alert after recent heroin use has led to serious harm and death in Dumfries and Galloway.
Synthetic opioids and animal tranquilisers, as well other combinations of substances, have been found in the drug supply in Scotland – although have yet to be confirmed by testing locally.
Officials say the current opioid supply can be described as unpredictable and high risk, with some people noting that the heroin has changes in texture, smell and colour once cooked. However, drugs which do not have these signs are still dangerous.
Dumfries and Galloway consultant in public health, Chris Allan, said: 'People should be cautious of all drugs, as you can't be sure what's in it or its strength.
'In these situations, the overdose has been almost immediate – with reduced breathing and rapid deterioration – and in cases people have very sadly died.
'In collaboration with the Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership, we're advising people who use drugs to be extra vigilant, and to help reduce risks of harm my observing the following advice:
'Continue to engage with harm reduction services;
'Treat all substances with caution, as you can't be sure of what is in it or its strength;
'Start low and go slow until you know the substance's effects;
'Seek medical help if you or someone else feels unwell;
'Do not buy new types of drugs or new batches, and don't buy from new sources;
'Avoiding mixing drugs (including medicines);
'Try not to use drugs alone, or let friends use drugs alone;
'Watch out for overdose signs like difficulty breathing, blue colouring to lips or fingertips, unresponsiveness and limp limbs.
'Ensuring ready access to Naloxone kits which can help to treat an overdose could be important, and due to the potency of synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which might be present, you may need to administer multiple doses of Naloxone every two to three minutes.'
'Naloxone should only be used if the person is overdosing and unresponsive. Even if you're not sure if an opioid is present, Naloxone can be administered and will not cause harm.'
Scotland's Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response system (RADAR).
For more information on drug and alcohol services in Dumfries and Galloway and where you can get naloxone visit the Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership website.
