![\"File](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_JMP_SWA_031019county_lines_drug_dealers_005JPG.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAvon and Somerset Police is working to gather intelligence about the drug’s supply<\/p>\n
File photo of the drug known as ‘spice'(Image: Jonathan Myers\/South Wales Evening Post)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
These reactions are said to include heart attack, stopping breathing, seizures and unconsciousness.<\/p>\n
According to the NHS<\/a> Inform website, spice is a nickname for a substance containing one or more synthetic cannabinoids.<\/p>\n It said synthetic cannabinoids were originally designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. However, they are more harmful and unpredictable than cannabis.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed, however, that it is working alongside public health to gather intelligence about the supply of spice.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n The alert said anyone who sees someone having an unexpected or worrying response to smoking spice should call an ambulance.<\/p>\n “You won’t get in trouble and you could save a life,” it said.<\/p>\n “If someone isn’t breathing, use Naloxone in case there is more than one drug involved.”<\/p>\n Join Bristol Live\u2019s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone<\/p>\n Bristol Live<\/a> is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.<\/p>\n Through the app, we\u2019ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.<\/p>\n To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select \u2018Join Community\u2019.<\/a><\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live<\/a> team.<\/p>\n We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose \u2018Exit group\u2019.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_WhatsApp-Phone.jpg\")
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