Two arrested as Southport heroin overdoses linked to powerful synthetic opioid
Several other hospitalisations are also being linked to a tainted batch of heroin
Police have arrested two people over the death of a man in Southport - who is thought to have taken contaminated heroin.
A 51-year-old man from Southport and a 32-year-old woman from Waterloo were arrested on 27th April in Liverpool on suspicion of manslaughter.
The arrests are connected to the death of a 62-year-old man found in a property on Leyland Road, Southport, suspected to have overdosed on 13th April.
Authorities are investigating reports of additional non-fatal overdoses in the area, with several hospitalisations occurring.
What substance is involved?
Forensic tests revealed that the heroin suspected in these incidents contained etonitazene, a member of the nitazene family of synthetic opioids.
Etonitazene is significantly more potent than traditional drugs like heroin or morphine, and even small quantities can cause severe respiratory depression, halting breathing rapidly.
With national surveillance data pointing to a rise in drug-related fatalities due to nitazenes, the urgency for identifying contaminated drugs is high.
This situation requires heightened vigilance as heroin users cannot distinguish contaminated batches visually.
Local organisations, including Sefton Council, Public Health, and support services, are coordinating with police.
Until further notice, those using heroin or opioids are being told they should treat supplies as potentially contaminated, staying alert and prepared with naloxone - a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Testing kits for drugs and free naloxone kits are available.
Merseyside Police encourages anyone with pertinent information to reach out via their social media platforms or official channels.
Reports can be made on their website or by calling the police with reference number 26000324606.