A dangerous synthetic opiate linked to an alarming rise in overdoses and drug deaths around the world has been found in the Isle of Man.

Public health officials have issued a warning after recent testing of substances seized in the island has identified the presence of Nitazenes.

Nitazenes are thousands of times stronger than heroin, and up to 20 times more potent than fentanyl, and more likely to lead to overdose, hospitalisation and death.

They were first developed in the 1950s by researchers in Switzerland as an opioid analgesic alternative to morphine but never approved for medical use.

Nitazens were not a regular part of the illicit drug market until around 2019 but since then have been identified on nearly every continent. They have been linked to over 1,100 deaths in the US and around 200 in the UK.

In advice posted on Facebook, Public Health Isle of Man said: ‘It is safest not to use drugs but if you choose to please exercise caution and never mix drugs.

‘Mixing any other drug increases the risk of overdose.

‘Don't use alone - look out for each other and if you think someone has overdosed, call 999 immediately.

Users are advised to carry Naloxone which temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and saves lives.

It is available in the Isle of Man to anyone who is at risk or knows someone at risk of an opioid overdose.

Advice and treatment for drug or alcohol dependency is available from the Drug and Alcohol Team (DAT) on 617889. DAT is a confidential service for anyone who is concerned about their drug use.

You can also contact Motiv8 on freephone 0808 1624 627 - Monday to Friday 9am-5pm for help and support.