Local Preparedness for Synthetic Opioids in England. Findings and recommendations for Combating Drugs Partnerships. May 2025

Product Description

Potent synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes and illicit fentanyls, are sometimes added to or substituted for heroin. They have also been added to or substituted for other drugs, or openly sold as synthetic opioids. Drugs of this type are typically many times stronger than heroin and carry a higher risk of overdose, and there is concern among government, law enforcement, public health and the treatment sector, about these substances becoming more prevalent in the future.

This report summarises analysis and recommendations developed from a review of Combating Drugs Partnership (CDPs) synthetic opioid preparedness plans, and a tabletop exercise conducted with a range of relevant local partners.

The report offers evidence and insights for CDPs, especially public health and law enforcement leads, intending to help strengthen their preparedness for an evolving threat. The report also informs national initiatives on this topic. Many of the principles and recommendations discussed are relevant to multiple drug types.