Synthetic opioids are manmade opioids including Fentanyls and a class of compounds called Nitazenes.
Nitazenes are a diverse group of synthetic opioids. Like fentanyl, many are far more toxic on a weight-for-weight basis than heroin. Even a small amount can be enough to kill, especially without immediate naloxone or medical attention.
1950’s: Nitazenes were first discovered and described in scientific papers.
2019: China controlled fentanyl and its precursors. Chinese underground chemists experimented with other synthetic opioids.
2020-2021: First wave of Nitazenes arrived in the UK from China in pills, disguised as Oxycodone or as one of the benzodiazepines.
2023: Taliban reduced poppy crop by 95% leading to the second wave of Nitazenes in the UK.
The risk of synthetic opioids continues to be a major cause for concern both nationally and in CIOS.
In Cornwall, there were four deaths (3 men, 1 woman) involving synthetic opioids in 2024 (2 in 2023).
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparties (OHID) require all Local Authorities to have in place Synthetic Opioid preparedness plan in place: Guidance for local areas on planning to deal with potent synthetic opioids – GOV.UK
The drug and alcohol team within Cornwall Council has drafted the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Synthetic Opioid Preparedness Plan and an easy read version is available below.
