Drug users are being warned so-called "benzos" circulating on the streets of Belfast may be laced with dangerous other chemicals.
Multiple overdoses among people taking "blues and yellows" containing benzodiazepines and likely opiates have been reported in recent days.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) reportedly responded to 12 overdoses over a 24 hour period last week.
There is huge concern that the "bad batch" may include the most dangerous of opiates, including fentanyl.
"Outreach workers have seen an increase in overdoses on the streets of Belfast," said Paul McCusker, an independent Belfast City councillor.
"In just 24 hours, 12 individuals overdosed with some of those affected requiring cardioopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)," Mr McCusker said.
Read More :
- Drug overdose prevention facility will save lives, councillors told as motion to establish safe location for drug users passes
- Alcohol and drug use rose by two-thirds during Covid-19 pandemic says study
- Shoes laid on Stormont steps to show number of deaths from drug addiction
"This is believed to be linked to a strong ‘’bad batch’’ of blues and yellows which contain benzodiazepines and opiates."
The councillor added: "It has been widely reported regarding the challenges around drug use and those suffering from an addiction and experiencing homelessness, but the problem continues to escalate.
"Services are working under extreme pressure with increasing numbers of individuals experiencing issues with addiction and homelessness."
Mr McCusker promised he would be in touch with the PSNI, BelfastCity Council, NIHE and the Public Health Agency to highlight concerns over the dangers to drug users.
"We need better joint up working, more suitable accommodation for those experiencing an addiction and homelessness and quicker access to addiction services to ensure those who require this support can get the wrap around support they desperately need," he said.
"Staff and volunteers work extremely hard every day and night on the streets but they report its becoming more challenging, thank you to all those outreach workers who support those most vulnerable in Belfast."
A variety of tablets sold on the street look similar to prescribed diazepam, which are yellow or blue. Some contain no diazepam or not at the stated dose.
Many contain other more powerful and potentially more dangerous drugs, or mixtures of drugs.
