Two people in their twenties have died in London after allegedly consuming a super-strong opioid drug, with authorities issuing urgent warnings to clubbers across the UK. The deaths, which occurred over the May bank holiday weekend, have prompted nightclubs including Ministry of Sound, Fabric and The Cause to alert patrons to the dangers of a blue-green pill marked with the number ‘80’.
The pills are believed to contain nitazenes, a newer form of synthetic opioid described as being “hundreds of times stronger than heroin,” according to experts. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full composition of the pills, but initial testing has revealed the presence of MDMA, ketamine, and isotonitazene, a particularly potent synthetic opioid. Release Drugs, a drug welfare organisation, first shared the warning over the weekend, reporting that the pills have been linked to two fatalities and one hospitalisation in London.
The potential for misidentification is a significant concern. The pills’ appearance may lead users to believe they are consuming ecstasy or oxycodone, a prescription pain medication. Ministry of Sound posted a statement on social media advising anyone feeling unwell even as at the venue to seek immediate medical assistance from on-site staff.
The emergence of nitazenes in the UK club scene has raised fears ahead of the festival season, with calls increasing for on-site drug testing facilities. Professor Fiona Measham, founder of drug checking charity The Loop, told The Times that approximately two nitazene-related deaths have been occurring per week in the UK, primarily linked to contamination of opiate and street benzodiazepine markets.
While the immediate concern centres on these specific pills, broader data indicates that clubbing in the UK carries inherent risks. A 15-year retrospective study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal reveals that around six deaths annually are linked to clubbing activities. The study identifies physical assault, including stabbings and head trauma, and excessive MDMA consumption as the primary causes of these fatalities.
XOYO, another London nightclub, shared an update noting the pills responsible for the recent deaths were similar to those identified earlier this year by The Loop. The venue emphasized that This proves currently unknown what the pills were purchased as, urging caution and safety precautions.
