Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership

A Rapid Action Drug Alert and Response (RADAR) Alert was issued on Nitazenes in August 2025.

Synthetic opioids

Nitazenes are a group of potent synthetic opioids that are now widely detected across Scotland. They are most commonly found as an unexpected contaminant in drugs sold as heroin, benzodiazepines and oxycodone, and pose a high risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death. 

More potent than heroin

Different types have been detected. Some are hundreds of times more potent than heroin.  People should be aware of the signs of overdose and the immediate actions required, in particular the use of naloxone.