Deadly drug on rise in Highlands
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A HEALTH alert has been issued after people became unwell after taking a powerful illegal substance.
NHS Highland published the warning about N-Bomb – a Class A hallucinogen that has been linked to deaths in Scotland’s central belt, elsewhere in the UK and the US.
It is now on the increase in the north.
The banned substance – also known as Wizard, Smiles or Solaris – is often peddled in paper “blotters” or “tabs” like LSD.
A health authority spokeswoman said: “Reports in the Highland area are indicating that there is an increased use of the drug N-Bomb.
“This drug is not widely used in the area and as such there could be an increased risk to anyone taking it as there will be limited knowledge of what they are taking and the effects it can have.”
NHS Highland’s warning spells out that N-Bomb is very unpredictable and can trigger confusion, paranoia, agitation and aggression.
“N-Bomb can also increase blood pressure and heart rate with the potential for the user to have seizures, an increased body temperature, tremors and shaking,” the spokeswoman added.
“It can lead to an emergency admission to hospital.”
So far there have been fewer than 10 known instances of N-Bomb in the Highlands, but it has not been revealed how the deadly drug came to the attention of the health service.
Inverness police supported the NHS warning but made no further comment.
Suzy Calder, head of NHS Highland’s drug and alcohol recovery service, said: “This drug is not common in this area but indications are that use has increased recently.
“Given that it is still quite unknown and can have a
serious impact on the user we want to raise awareness and issue harm reduction advice.
“Evidence suggests that very small doses can have a powerful affect which increases the risk of an overdose. I would advise anyone who has concerns about drugs to contact the relevant organisations.”
Those taking illicit drugs are urged not to mix them with other drugs or alcohol.
The warning added: “If anyone is suffering adverse effects you must call an ambulance immediately – any delay could be fatal.”
