HSE issues 'Red Alert' drug warning to prisoners in Laois
The alert relates to a dangerous synthetic opioid substance
The Irish Prison Service and the HSE have issued a warning to all prisoners in relation to dangerous drugs circulating in prisons.
The Health Service Executive(HSE) has issued a ‘Red Alert’ to all prisoners in the country in relation to the synthetic opioids.
“HSE Red Alert extended to Irish Prison settings due to presence of nitazene-type identified in powder.
While safer not to use drugs, we urge individuals who use drugs to avoid new types of drugs or new batches being sold,” the HSE stated.
The Irish Prison Service said it is working with the HSE following a number suspected overdoses in prisons.
“The IPS is working with HSE in response to a number of OD presentations in custody. 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,” the Irish Prison Service stated.
In Portlaoise there were 963 prisoners in the Midlands Prison and a further 235 prisoners in Portlaoise Prison on Thursday, March 14.