Health body issues warning over new sedative drugs found in Scotland

New and dangerous sedative drugs have been found in Scotland, increasing potential risks to users, the country's health protection agency has warned.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) said illicit drug supply is currently highly toxic and unpredictable, following a spate of serious incidents last year, including the death of a man in Glasgow last September.

The health body has issued two alerts, concerning the sedative drug medetomidine being found mixed in other substances, and new variants of sedative benzodiazepines now appearing.

PHS added that the unfamiliar drugs carry the risk of increased harm, especially if mixed with other substances.

The medetomidine alert says the new drug is likely to be consumed unknowingly. and has most commonly been detected in other substances like heroin and benzodiazepines.

The new benzodiazepines alert says there are ongoing changes to the street market for the drug, which includes both new substances appearing and previously detected types of the drug - including clonazolam - re-emerging.

Clonazolam is considered extremely dangerous due to its high potency, with blackouts, overdoses and memory loss among the risks.

New tablet types are also emerging, including jelly capsules.

The alerts have been issued by the Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) system, led by PHS.

The body's most recent quarterly report, in January, said the drug supply in all parts of Scotland is highly toxic and unpredictable, with contamination of drugs increasing the risk of harm.

Last year Public Health Scotland said nitazenes - super-strong synthetic opioids - were being widely detected in drugs available in Scotland.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde then warned drug users against inhaling crack cocaine, as it was being increasingly mixed with other substances which heavily increased the risks of taking the drug.

Tara Shivaji, a consultant in public health medicine with 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."

She added that people affected by drugs should use NHS inform - the health service's information section - to find out further details on staying safe.