Avon and Somerset Police is working to gather intelligence about the drug’s supply
File photo of the drug known as ‘spice'(Image: Jonathan Myers/South Wales Evening Post)
A warning has been issued about the use of a synthetic drug known as ‘spice’ after reports it resulted in one suspected death and multiple hospitalisations in Bristol.
Horizons Bristol, the city’s drug and alcohol service, appeared to issue an alert to users after spice bought as a white powder, ‘crystal’ or green dried leaves caused adverse reactions.
These reactions are said to include heart attack, stopping breathing, seizures and unconsciousness.
According to the NHS Inform website, spice is a nickname for a substance containing one or more synthetic cannabinoids.
It said synthetic cannabinoids were originally designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. However, they are more harmful and unpredictable than cannabis.
An alert which was reportedly shared by Horizons Bristol on April 22, said: “Use of spice bought in Bristol in the last two weeks has resulted in one suspected death and multiple hospitalisations.”
While police and Bristol City Council’s public health team have not commented on reports of a death linked to spice, BristolLive understands an investigation is underway.
Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed, however, that it is working alongside public health to gather intelligence about the supply of spice.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers are working with a multi-agency partnership led by public health, including gathering intelligence about the source of the supply of the illegal synthetic cannabinoid known as “spice”, which has led to an alert issued to users by Bristol’s Local Drug Information System.”
The alert said anyone who sees someone having an unexpected or worrying response to smoking spice should call an ambulance.
“You won’t get in trouble and you could save a life,” it said.
“If someone isn’t breathing, use Naloxone in case there is more than one drug involved.”
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