Lethal super-strong opioids have been found to be detected in fake medicines purchased across the UK.
Figures show that in the last year there have been 130 cases of people trying to buy medicines illegally and instead receiving substances contaminated with nitacenes.
These artificial opioids, which can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin and kill in small doses, are being mixed with fake medications by unscrupulous drug suppliers.
Nitacenes have already been linked to 278 deaths across the country, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Experts have said the new findings, revealed by the BBC, represent a “very worrying” development.
The contaminated substances were identified in anonymous samples sent to WEDINOS, the UK’s only national drug testing service.
Fake medicines often look like the same type of packaging you might get at the high street pharmacy.
Many posed as benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, and insomnia treatments, including temazepam.
The National Crime Agency believes nitacenes are produced in Chinese laboratories and brought into the UK via Royal Mail and other parcel operators.
Up-and-coming opera singer Alex Harpum, 23, had tried to buy Xanax, which is only available on prescription in the UK, before he was found dead in his student flat last July.
Figures show that in the last year there have been 130 examples of someone trying to buy medicines illegally and instead receiving substances contaminated with nitacenes (pictured).
Nitacenes were also found in substances purporting to be the allergy medication promethazine.
A government spokesman said it was “securing our borders from the threat” through “world-leading intelligence, a dedicated intergovernmental task force and extensive international networks.”
Professor Rick Lines, of WEDINOS, said: “Perhaps people have realized that they could not continue with a legitimate recipe and decided to follow what they think is a legitimate alternative route, but in reality it is not.”
The Government plans to manufacture all types of class A drugs with nitacenes.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, those caught supplying and producing it could face life in prison, while those in possession could face up to seven years.
Up-and-coming opera singer Alex Harpum, 23, had tried to buy Xanax, which is only available on prescription in the UK, before he was found dead in his student flat last July.
His death was suspected to have been caused by sudden adult death syndrome until his mother pushed for more tests, which found that he had taken a substance laced with nitazenes.
Her mother, Anna Jacques, told the BBC she remained “in disbelief” at the lack of evidence, adding: “If I hadn’t pushed for better answers in the midst of enormous pain, to this day I would have no idea how it came about.” really”. deceased.
Artificial opioids, which can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin and kill in small doses, are being mixed with fake drugs like Xanax (pictured) by unscrupulous drug suppliers.
‘Unless we’re testing them, how is anyone going to be aware and informed (of the dangers)?’
Mrs Jacques, who lives in North Wales, believes Alex tried to buy Xanax because he was having trouble sleeping while taking medication for his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
According to the Metropolitan Police, signs that someone may have taken a synthetic opioid include small, narrow pupils, reduced or loss of consciousness, dizziness or drowsiness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, cold or clammy skin, and low or slow blood pressure. cardiac.
The NCA believes that nitacenes are produced in Chinese laboratories and brought into the UK via Royal Mail and other parcel operators.
However, Border Force only screens the post for drugs if there is a known risk or if they have received intelligence.
Dogs trained to detect nitacenes and other synthetic opioids will enter service “shortly.”
Official figures published last week show drug-related deaths in England and Wales have soared to a record level, as experts warned the arrival of synthetic opioids is a “catastrophic public health crisis”.
NCA director general Graeme Biggar also warned there has never been a more dangerous time to take drugs.