PHS urges caution following reports of increased harm from changes in Scotland’s drug supply

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has published two updated public health alerts today in response to increased harms and changes in the drug supply.  

The alerts illustrate the rapidly changing drug scene and provide information about new, unfamiliar substances which have been detected in Scotland.  

The medetomidine alert highlights the emergence of a new sedative drug. Medetomidine is likely to be consumed unknowingly and has most commonly been detected in drugs sold as heroin and benzodiazepines.  

The new benzodiazepines alert highlights ongoing changes to the street benzo market. New substances are appearing and previously detected benzodiazepines, including clonazolam, are re-emerging. Clonazolam is linked to increased risk due to its high potency. New tablet types are also emerging, including jelly capsules.  

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. The most recent RADAR quarterly report in January highlighted that the drug supply in all parts of Scotland continues to be highly toxic and unpredictable, with contamination increasing the risk of 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.  

“PHS, through RADAR, identifies new and emerging drug harms. 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. It’s imperative that our collective efforts continue as we work to reduce harm from drugs related deaths are identified. 

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

Read the alert on new benzodiazepines 

Read more information on RADAR and the latest RADAR Quarterly Report 

For support for people affected by drugs visit NHS inform

Order a free naloxone kit through Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs 

Read our blog to find out more about Databelt, a multi-agency development led by PHS and Police Scotland. Implementation of the Databelt has optimised the process of collecting and sharing data on drug-related harm and death across Scotland. This initiative is a good example of how PHS is working with partners to reduce harm from drugs, one of the visions set out in our new 10-year strategy, published last week. 

Read more about Improving Scotland’s Health and our areas of work on drugs 

Learn more about our newly published 10-year strategy “Together we can”