Hidden Killers: Stark Warning to Young People as Deadly Fake Drugs and Vapes Spread

Young people across the UK are being warned of the deadly risks posed by drugs such as ketamine, counterfeit medicines and contaminated vapes in a new campaign launched by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

Deadly Consequences

The campaign, aimed at those aged 16 to 24, highlights the growing dangers of taking illicit substances. It warns that repeated ketamine use can lead to irreparable bladder damage, synthetic opioids can cause fatal overdoses, and vapes containing synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as spice, can cause users to become unconscious or suffer long-term psychological harm.

Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: “Young people don’t always realise the decision to take drugs such as ketamine can have profound effects. It can destroy your bladder and even end your life.”

Ashley added: “We’ve seen a worrying rise in people coming to harm from ketamine as well as deliberately contaminated THC vapes and synthetic opioids hidden in fake medicines bought online.”

Rising National Concern

The government says there are growing concerns about synthetic opioids known as nitazenes, which are being found in counterfeit medicines sold through illegitimate online sources. Reports of harm from THC vapes have also increased, with many products containing synthetic cannabinoids that are far more potent and unpredictable.

Police and Public Health Working Together

Chief Inspector Sarah Johns from Devon & Cornwall Police said: “Our work over the last 18 months with Bath University on developing devices which test quickly and accurately for synthetic cannabinoids and opioids has informed our understanding of these developing national issues and subsequent safeguarding activity.

“We have seen a reduction in the number of vapes and liquids which contain synthetic cannabinoids, and we are able to issue contemporaneous warnings to vulnerable users if contaminated batches of other drugs are found to contain synthetic opioids.

“This campaign by the OHID is timely and valuable in highlighting the dangers associated with these synthetic drugs and with ketamine, which younger people are not necessarily aware of. Education is key to driving down demand for them and reducing the harm they can do.”

Help and Support Available

The campaign emphasises that complete safety means avoiding drug use altogether. However, it also provides guidance for those who may still use substances, encouraging them to understand the risks and know how to access help and support.

Resources are being distributed to local public health teams, drug and alcohol treatment services, youth services, schools and universities.

Anyone seeking information or help with drug-related issues can visit www.talktofrank.com or call the FRANK helpline on 0300 123 6600.

Concerns about the use or supply of drugs can be reported to Devon & Cornwall Police online at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/