Urgent drug alert issued to Irish prisons after fatal overdose
A nitazene-type substance has been associated with overdoses in Irish prisons
Irish prisons have been issued an urgent drug alert following detection of nitazine which resulted in a fatal overdose.
The Irish Prison Service issued an urgent drug alert to all prisons following analysis conducted by the HSE National Drug Treatment Centre Laboratory which confirmed the presence of a nitazene type substance, associated with overdoses in Irish prisons, one of which is fatal.
The Irish Prison Service said they are "working closely with the HSE in response to this detection of Nitazene".
Nitazenes are a strong synthetic opioid which can cause serious overdoses, hospitalisation and drug-related death.
They can be found in the form of yellow tablets, pills or powder.
Extra vigilance is being taken across the prison estate and the Irish Prison Service has commenced an information campaign for prisoners around the dangers of consuming non prescribed illegal drugs.
Prisoners, visitors, staff or members of the public with information on the trafficking of drugs into our prisons can pass on that information in the strictest confidence.
There is a free confidential telephone line (1800 855 717) and text line (086 1802449) which is operational.