12 Mar 2026
Kingston Public Health have shared two recent drug seizures in South West London involving potent synthetic opioids. Fentanyl was identified in a seizure in Kingston, and Etonitazene was found in Wandsworth.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, a man-made drug that mimics the effect of other opioids (such as heroin). Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and is linked to an increasing number of drug deaths.
Fentanyl can be sold as white powder and pills, but is often cut with heroin and cocaine. It has also been found mixed with synthetic cannabinoids in herbal smoking mixtures. It's important to note that mixing synthetic opioids like Fentanyl with alcohol or other sedatives such as benzodiazepines can have serious consequences. An overdose is more likely, which can lead to a coma, respiratory failure or death.
Some of the main effects of Fentanyl include:
Tiredness or insomnia.
Confusion.
Restlessness.
Irritability.
Anxiety.
Constipation or diarrhoea.
Itching or rashes.
Nausea and vomiting.
Unconsciousness and coma.
Suppressed breathing.
Dizziness and fainting.
Stomach pain.
Headaches.
Sweating or chills.
Poor appetite.
Etonitazine is a Nitazene, a synthetic opioid which is of similar or higher toxicity to Fentanyl and may pose a high risk to users and anyone handling it. Other common Nitazenes include Isotonitazene, Metonitazene, and Protonitazene.
Nitazenes come in white or brown/yellow powder. They can also take the shape of crystalline solids or tablets that resemble oxycodone. Worryingly, they have also been found mixed with synthetic cannabinoids in herbal smoking mixtures, as well as in heroin and ketamine.
How long the effects of Nitazenes last and how long the drug stays in your system depend on how much you’ve taken, your size, whether you’ve eaten and what other drugs you‘ve taken. The high potency of Nitazines means this drug remains a high risk of accidental overdose and death.
Some of the main effects of Nitazines include:
Tiredness or insomnia.
Confusion.
Restlessness.
Irritability.
Anxiety.
Constipation or diarrhoea.
Itching or rashes.
Nausea and vomiting.
Unconsciousness and coma.
Suppressed breathing.
Dizziness and fainting.
Stomach pain.
Headaches.
Sweating or chills.
Poor appetite.
Both Fentanyl and Etonitazine are synthetic opioids, which means, in case of an overdose, naloxone should be administored quickly if safe to do so. It can reverse the opioid component and may save a life. Beware that due to the strength of these drugs and other synthetic opioids, several doses of naloxone maybe required.
Signs of an overdose include:
Breathlessness or loss of consciousness.
Limp limbs.
Blueish tinge to lips and fingernails.
If you believe someone has taken an overdose:
Make sure the area is safe with nothing around that the individual can hurt themselves on.
Check for signs of an overdose - pinch the ear and gently shake their shoulders to see if they respond.
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
If you have access to naloxone, use it. This won't harm them, and it could save a life.
Put them in the recovery position.
Monitor and give support to the individual until the ambulance arrives. You can administer a second dose of naloxone if needed.
Take care of your personal safety and dispose of any unused naloxone or sharp objects.
Share this alert with those who might use similar substances or work with those who do, and encourage them to seek help and advice. Ensure those who need to be are aware of the signs of overdose and the appropriate emergency response, including the use of naloxone where indicated. Report any unusual drug-related presentations or adverse reactions through local reporting channels. Stay alert and share this information.
Raising awareness can prevent harm and save lives.
