Government adds 15 drugs to the banned list

The UK Government have today banned a number of drugs, a total of 15 synthetic opioids which includes 14 nitazenes. All are now classed as Class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Nitazenes are highly potent drugs that can be many times stronger than more common opioids.

Many consumers are using nitazenes inadvertently, unaware of the risks they face as they have been detected in substances sold as other opioids, benzodiazepines, and cannabis products. Nitazenes can cause fatal respiratory depression. More than 100 deaths have now been linked to synthetic opioids since the summer, according to the National Crime Agency.

Three stimulants, a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) and a benzodiazepine have also been banned.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “We are highly alert to the threat from synthetic drugs and have been taking a range of preventative action, learning from experiences around the globe, to keep these vile drugs off our streets.

“Our plan is working – the overall quantities of synthetic opioids reaching the UK remain lower than other countries, but we are not complacent. Placing these toxic drugs under the strictest controls sends a clear message that the consequences for peddling them will be severe.”