AN ALARMING spike in the number of Powys drug overdoses has led to one death and three people requiring intensive care in just four weeks.

This sudden increase is owing to the availability of fake drugs that can be purchased online, say the police and a local substance misuse charity, with the dodgy batch affecting people in Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire.

Barry Eveleigh, service manager for Kaleidoscope’s Drug and Alcohol Services in Powys said: “Normally we have a small amount of overdoses involving heroin each year. To have this number of overdoses involving drugs bought over the internet in a few short weeks, and with such devastating effects, is deeply worrying.”

He said that one person had died and three others had been hospitalised in Powys in recent weeks.

Pandemic conditions have impacted the availability of illegal drugs in the area. And as people struggle with their mental health, GP surgeries operate at reduced capacity, and hospitals prioritise COVID-19 care, more people have turned to the dark web to purchase fake prescription drugs like Benzodiazepines

Fake Benzodiazepines can produce a similar effect to those you get from a doctor. But laboratory analysis of these drugs has evidenced that some counterfeit medicines in circulation in Powys present a greater risk of poisoning due to their side-effect profile.

Mr Eveleigh added: ‘‘Initially someone may feel drowsy, which could potentially lead to unconsciousness, the risks are very serious. Worryingly people often believe fake medicines are safer than other types of illicit drugs, as they may think they’ve been through quality control. Given that taking medicine is so normalised in our society, this can create a perception of low risk, and even benefit.

"People may rely on their friends, rather than medical opinion, as to how many pills they should take. Unfortunately many fake Benzodiazepines are not safe – and the strength of the dosage often is not known until it is too late.

"The risks increase when you combine 'benzo’s' with alcohol. Both act as a respiratory depressant, and so using them together increases the chances of breathing difficulties, and even death. People should avoid buying or using tablets sold as Benzodiazepines, most often Diazepam, and commonly referred to as ‘Valium’. And also Temazepam and Alprazolam, often called ‘Xanax’.’’

The message from Kaleidoscope is echoed by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Inspector Matthew Price said: "We echo the concerns of Kaleidoscope.

"Whether purchasing offline or from dealers we urge vigilance and caution that these items are not always as they seem. The use of such substances could as we have seen cause significant medical issues for users.

"We encourage anyone with information regarding the use and supply of such substances to speak with officers.

"There are a number of local charities and organisations that are in place to support individuals at this time, and if not comfortable speaking with the police we encourage engagement with them also."

If you are with someone you suspect has taken these drugs and appears unwell, acting quickly could save their life:

· Watch carefully for the signs of an overdose like drowsiness, shallow breathing, dizziness, poor balance, muscle weakness, fainting and unconsciousness

· If you witness these signs, call 999

· If you can, give a sample of the tablet to the paramedics when they arrive. This will help them to give the appropriate treatment

If you or someone else you know has been taking prescribed or fake benzodiazepines for a long time you should not stop suddenly as this may cause seizures which could be fatal. If you wish to stop, you will need to reduce your medication slowly and this should be done with expert medical advice.

If you would like to talk to someone about fake benzodiazepines or other drug and alcohol issues please call Kaleidoscope on 01686 207 111.