Public Health Wales detects new synthetic opioids in drug testing

A new annual report from the Welsh Emerging Drug Identification Service (WEDINOS) has revealed increasing volatility and unpredictability in the illicit drug market. Covering the period from April 2025 to March 2026, the report found that 36.6% of community drug samples did not contain the substance the buyer expected.

For the first time, the service identified high-potency synthetic opioids known as orphine analogues. These were detected in 18 samples, sometimes appearing alongside veterinary sedatives in products submitted as heroin. Additionally, nitazenes—another group of potent synthetic opioids—were found in 110 samples.

The report also highlighted significant issues with vaping products. Approximately 43% of samples submitted as THC, CBD, or cannabinoid vapes contained synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs), often referred to as Spice. Public Health Wales warned that these substances can cause severe anxiety, psychosis, hallucinations, and seizures.

Other findings included the continued circulation of benzodiazepines, with diazepam being the most common category. Officials noted that many of these products are purchased from online pharmacies and are visually identical to legitimate medication, despite containing different substances.