Drug lab developing synthetic opioids found in Ayrshire

Nitazenes were detected in 38 drug deaths in Scotland between January and March 2025

Police uncovered the UK's first drug lab for nitazenes in Ayrshire, a senior officer has told an oversight board.

Nitazenes are high-strength synthetic opioids which are sometimes mixed into other drugs which can be highly dangerous due to their potency.

They were detected in 38 drug deaths in Scotland between January and March 2025 and Public Health Scotland issued an alert regarding them in August.

The Scottish Police Authority board was told discovery of the lab and seizure of its equipment and products had since led to a significant reduction in the supply of benzodiazepines - another type of drug which sometimes contain nitazenes.

Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors updated the board, alongside Chief Constable Jo Farrell.

DCC Connors said there had been success in apprehending a number of individuals who operated pill presses to manufacture drugs.

She said: "A focus for us is around that type of lab.

"We actually had a nitazene lab in Ayrshire that policing found and it's the first one in the UK.

"We believe that having taken some of those (presses) and the pills off (the market) may well have contributed to a 41% reduction in benzodiazepine, which is another type of drug that we're focusing on."

Nitazenes are often believed to have reached markets in the West after being manufactured in China.

Their high strength, along with the fact drug users may not be aware of their presence in other substances, is what makes them dangerous.

Crack cocaine warning

Earlier this month Glasgow's health board warned drug users against inhaling crack cocaine due to the substance possibly being cut with other dangerous drugs, like nitazenes.

A man died died in Cambridge Street in Cowcaddens on 8 September while several others were hospitalised following incidents in the city.

DCC Connors also force had a particular focus on dealing with "county lines" drug dealing in the north of Scotland.

This refers to organised crime groups from cities setting up drug-dealing operations in towns or rural areas.