Warning following detection in prisons of nitazene-like substance linked with Cork city overdoses

THE HSE has warned prisoners that they are at extra risk after a nitazene-type substance was detected following five overdoses in Irish prisons over seven days.

Analysis carried out by the HSE’s National Drug Treatment Centre laboratory has confirmed the presence of a nitazene type substance associated with a number of overdoses in Irish prisons in recent days.

Nitazenes were developed in the 1950s as synthetic opioid analgesics and an alternative to morphine, but because of fears surrounding the potential for overdoses were never approved for the medical market.

The HSE has described nitazene as “a strong synthetic opioid that can cause serious overdoses, hospitalisations, and drug-related deaths”.

An extreme risk drug warning was issued by the executive last December, after a nitazene-type substance had been linked with what it described as “recent cases of serious overdose in Cork city”. 

In a statement released on Friday evening, the HSE said it was extending its current red alert to Irish prisons following a number of overdoses.

“The HSE advises that there is extra risk at this time and strongly recommends those in prison avoid new types of drugs or new batches being sold,” the executive said.

Professor Eamon Keenan, the HSE’s national clinical lead in addiction services, said this was the first known case of nitazenes in an Irish prison setting.

“We remind the public that the prison market may be different from others,” Prof Keenan said. “These drugs may come as a variety of different coloured powders or pills.

“We advise all users of powders to exercise caution with all products, as the direction of these substances on the market cannot be guaranteed.”

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said it was working closely with the HSE in response to what it called “a number of overdose presentations in custody”.

“The prison service has secured extra naloxone kits in the event of clinical intervention. Extra vigilance is being taken across the prison estate and the Irish Prison Service has commenced an information campaign for prisoners around the dangers of consuming contraband.”