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Grampian Police and NHS Grampian have issued a warning to heroin users in the region, in light of a recent drug-related death and an unconnected recovery of drugs in Aberdeen, both in the Torry area of the city.
Inspector Andy Imray, Substance Misuse Coordinator, confirmed that the Class A drug Fentanyl, a white powder sometimes called China White, had been implicated in a 40 year old mans death. He also confirmed that a recovery of Fentanyl had been made when suspected heroin was seized previously in a drug raid.
He said: "Over the past few of weeks, a white powder referred to as China White appears to have been sold in the Torry area of Aberdeen. I suspect that users taking this drug believe they have bought heroin, but may have found that they were unable to smoke it and therefore had to sniff or inject it. With the general shortage of heroin across the area and the apparent poor quality of what is available, perhaps this did not give rise to suspicion. However, we have established that a man has died as a direct result of taking Fentanyl and separately, a recovery of the drug has been made."
Dr Maria Rossi, Consultant in Public Health Medicine commented, "Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, used in medical and surgical settings and by prescription only. It is also used to manage chronic pain. It can act very quickly and in small doses. Heroin users run a serious risk of overdose and death in using this substance illicitly, as demonstrated in this case. It is but one of the many harmful and dangerous substances that are unfortunately available on our streets, all of which carry significant risks to health.
"Drug users should also be aware that their tolerance to heroin can be seriously affected when drugs supplies are so variable. The loss of tolerance to heroin means they are at an increased risk of overdose and death when taking their next hit. A reduced dose of drugs must be considered, if abstention is not an option.
"If you suspect that somebody has overdosed, call 999 and ask for an ambulance without delay.
"Anyone wishing to start addressing their harmful drug addiction can access Know the Score on www.knowthescore.info and 0800 5875879 and the local Drugs Action Helpline on 01224 594700."
Inspector Imray also added that further reports of a white powder and other substances, referred to by some as Kryptonite and taken by heroin users, may also be Fentanyl. He urged anyone with information surrounding those allegedly dealing in these drugs to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Grampian Police 14/04/11