Users warned to assume street drugs are ‘contaminated with other drugs’

Health officials have warned users of street drugs to “assume they are contaminated with other drugs” amid concerns about a sharp increase in harms linked to changes in the supply.

The warning comes as Public Health Scotland (PHS) issued fresh alerts about “new, unfamiliar substances” which have been detected in Scotland’s drug supply.

One relates to a sedative drug called medetomidine, which PHS said has most commonly been detected in drugs sold as heroin and benzodiazepines.

Another relates to the street benzodiazepine (“benzo”) market, where new substances are appearing and some previously detected substances have re-emerged – including clonazolam, which PHS said is linked to “increased risk” due to its high potency.

The alerts have been issued by the multi-agency rapid action drug alerts and response (radar) system, led by PHS to raise awareness about these new drugs.

In a report published in January, radar said the drug supply in all parts of Scotland continues to be “highly toxic and unpredictable”, with contamination increasing the risk of drug-related harms.

Tara Shivaji, consultant in public health medicine at PHS, said: “During 2025, we saw a pattern of sudden and sharp increases in drug-related harms, and an unstable, rapidly-evolving drug supply in Scotland.

“We advise anyone who is using street drugs, or supporting someone else who is, to assume that they are contaminated with other drugs.

“Having someone who can help in an emergency is an important harm reduction measure, but there’s no safe way to take these substances.”

Mr Shivaji also described ongoing efforts to address the problem.

“Most recently we have developed the new Databelt system in partnership with Police Scotland, which is transforming the way suspected drug-related deaths are identified and used to support national and local responses,” he said.

“It’s imperative that our collective efforts continue as we work to reduce harm from drugs.

“There are many health services that can provide support for people affected by drugs in Scotland, for more information please visit NHS inform.”