Public health chiefs have issued urgent warnings over a potent animal tranquiliser permeating Scotland’s drug supply, branded a potential ‘killer’ amid fears of widespread overdoses. Medetomidine, a veterinary sedative far stronger than the notorious xylazine, has emerged in street drugs, often mis-sold as heroin or benzodiazepines.
Users are likely consuming it unknowingly, heightening risks of severe harm and fatal overdoses, according to alerts from Public Health Scotland (PHS). The substance is part of a double alert released today via the Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) system, led by PHS. It highlights medetomidine as a ‘new xylazine-type drug’ detected in the Scottish supply, posing an elevated overdose threat due to its potency.
A second alert flags shifts in the street benzodiazepine market, with potent substances like clonazolam re-emerging. Linked to high risks from its strength, the drug can cause memory loss and deadly overdoses. New forms, including ‘jelly capsules’, are also appearing, adding to the unpredictability.
These warnings come against a backdrop of a ‘highly toxic and unpredictable’ drug market across Scotland, where contamination is ramping up harms. The alerts aim to raise awareness among users and support services.
The broader context is outlined in the RADAR Quarterly Report for January/February 2026, which notes a drop in drug-related deaths in areas like Glasgow last year, but stresses the market remains ‘unstable and rapidly evolving’.
Tara Shivaji, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at 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.
“PHS, through RADAR, identifies new and emerging drug harms. Most recently, we have developed the new Databelt system in partnership with Police Scotland, which is transforming the way suspected drug-related deaths are identified and used to support national and local responses.
“It’s imperative that our collective efforts continue as we work to reduce harm from drugs. There are many health services that can provide support for people affected by drugs in Scotland; for more information please visit NHS inform.”
The alerts follow previous warnings, including one last week about new street drugs amid high hospital admissions and deaths. In September last year, another alert was issued after a man’s death and several illnesses in the city.
National Records of Scotland figures show 185 drug misuse deaths in Glasgow in 2024, a 24.8% fall from 246 in 2023. Yet experts warn the decline masks ongoing dangers from contaminated supplies.
PHS urges caution, emphasising no safe use for these substances. The multi-agency RADAR system continues monitoring to flag emerging threats swiftly.
As reported by the Glasgow Times, over 40 novel substances have appeared in the benzo market, compounding risks in an already volatile scene.
Health officials stress vigilance: assume contamination, seek help, and use naloxone where possible to reverse opioid overdoses. Support is available via NHS services nationwide.
With the drug landscape shifting fast, these alerts underscore the lethal gamble of street supplies – a stark reminder that one hit could kill.