RED DRUG ALERT – Cambridge City

Date: 3rd March 2025
Location of Incident: Cambridge City
Drug of Concern: Heroin
Identified Risk: Higher risk of overdose & drug-related mortality
Source of Information: Ambulance, Constabulary, CGL Treatment Service
Alert Instigated by: Cambridgeshire Public Health Team

Important Information

We have been made aware of an unusually high number of opioid overdoses in Cambridge City over the past 7-10 days. In addition, there have been two potential drug-related deaths in the last five days. These incidents are likely connected to heroin use.

Local users have raised concerns that the heroin supply may be adulterated.

We urge all local users to take extra precautions:
Carry at least two naloxone kits
Use nitazene testing strips
Look after each other

Harm Reduction Advice

Never use alone – Always have someone with you.
Go low and slow – Take less than usual and wait before taking more.
Smoke rather than inject to reduce risk.
Look after your friends – Watch for signs of overdose:
- Loss of consciousness/unresponsiveness
- Shallow or absent breathing
- Blue lips/fingertips
Have a naloxone kit ready – It saves lives. If the heroin is contaminated with synthetic opioids, you may need multiple doses.
Avoid mixing with other depressants – DO NOT use heroin with:
- Alcohol
- Pregabalin/gabapentin
- Other opioids
  These substances increase the risk of respiratory arrest.
Be ready to call for help – Immediate medical intervention could save a life.