'Red alert' remains in place in Cork following overdoses related to powder sold as heroin
Earlier this month, the HSE urged "extreme caution" after eight overdoses related to a powder being sold on the heroin market in the Cork region were reported in a 36-hour period. Picture Denis Minihane.
The HSE is warning that a "red alert" remains in place in Cork following the detection of protonitazepyne sold as a light brown/tan powder on the heroin market.
Earlier this month, the HSE urged "extreme caution" after eight overdoses related to a powder being sold on the heroin market in the Cork region were reported in a 36-hour period.
It had said analysis conducted by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) had identified a trace amount of a nitazene-type substance in a light brown powder associated with the Cork city overdoses.
Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, said at the time: “We are reminding people to be extra careful, and avoid using new drugs, new batches of drugs or buying from new sources. It is safer not to use drugs at all. Your well-being is important, remember to look after yourself and care for others."
The warning followed a similar alert issued in Dublin the previous month.
Today the HSE warned that red alerts remain in place for the Dublin and Cork regions following the detection of protonitazepyne sold as a light brown/tan powder on the heroin market.
Red Alerts remain in place for the Dublin and Cork Regions following the detection of protonitazepyne sold as a light brown/tan powder on the heroin market.
— HSE Drugs.ie (@drugsdotie) December 20, 2023
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The HSE said that up to December 12, there were 13 non-fatal overdoses reported to the HSE over a six-day period in Cork.
"This outbreak has been attributed to the same nitazene (N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene) which was identified in Dublin," the latest update said.
It added: "Red alerts remain in place for the Dublin and Cork regions. This means that there is an ongoing concern for people who use heroin in these areas and there is a high risk of nitazene exposure and overdose.
"These drugs are very new to the Irish market and there could be a risk of them appearing in other regions.
"At present, it is only the heroin market where they have appeared sold as a light brown/tan coloured powder sold as a ‘new drug’ or as heroin without people knowing."
The HSE said it is continuing to collaborate with various partners, including hospital emergency departments, emergency services, non-governmental organisation (NGO) service providers, An Garda Síochána, and laboratories at the National Drug Treatment Centre and Forensic Science Ireland to monitor the situation closely.
For further information, support and harm reduction, go to www.drugs.ie or contact the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 or email helpline@hse.ie Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm
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