Scientists have issued an urgent warning to festivalgoers over a terrifying new drug that is sweeping the country. Nitazenes are ultra-powerful synthetic opioids, similar to fentanyl, which can be up to 500 times stronger than heroin. Originally used by criminals to supercharge weak heroin, nitazenes are now being cut into common party drugs and even pharmaceuticals. However, the big difference between nitazenes and heroin is that the synthetic variants are significantly stronger and much more deadly. This service was entirely legal until 2023 when the Conservative-led Home Office suddenly moved to block festivals from testing drugs.

Source: The Times June 08, 2025 16:05 UTC