Deaths linked to potent synthetic opioids
Data from June 2023 to May 2024 on the numbers of deaths associated with potent synthetic opioids in England.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This report contains information on the numbers of deaths associated with potent synthetic opioids (nitazenes or fentanyls). The data has been collected by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the National Crime Agency and is broken down by the:
- potent synthetic opioids detected
- region in which the death occurred
The data is a snapshot of deaths that occurred in 12 months between 1 June 2023 and 31 May 2024 in England.
This data is not official statistics. It has been collected for surveillance purposes and is being published:
- for transparency, in response to a high level of interest in this data, including media enquiries
- so that people involved in responding to drug threats locally have the relevant available national information
- to inform wider policy discussions on how to tackle the issue
However, there are several limitations, as set out in the report. So, these figures should not be considered a comprehensive count of all deaths involving synthetic opioids in the period covered.
The report is likely to be of particular interest to people involved in delivering relevant local services.