National: Red alert in Irish prisons as potentially fatal drug detections on the rise

The HSE has issued a red alert across Irish prison settings following the identification of a potent nitazene-type substance found in a powder. 

Nitazene-type substances are synthetic opioids known for their potency and potential lethality even in small doses.

They have gained notoriety in recent years for their involvement in overdose incidents nationally and worldwide.

The presence of such a substance within the confines of Irish prisons has raised significant concerns.

Irish Prison Service (IPS) have stated: "Extra naloxone kits have been secured. Extra vigilance is being taken across all prisons & the IPS has commenced a campaign for prisoners around the dangers of consuming contraband."

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects of opiates like heroin, and is available free from Addiction Services.

In 2023, a series of overdoses in the Cork city area, reported on Wednesday, December 6, and Thursday, December 7.

Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) confirmed the presence of a trace amount of a Nitazene type substance in a light brown powder associated with these overdoses.

Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, urged extreme caution at the time: "We are urging extreme caution following eight overdoses related to a powder being sold on the heroin market in the Cork region.

Preliminary laboratory analysis has confirmed that recent overdoses may be caused by nitazenes, a potent and dangerous synthetic opioid. These pose a substantial risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death."

A red alert remains in place for Dublin and Cork in relation to these drugs.