A leading addiction charity is concerned about street heroin being mixed with strong prescription painkillers fentanyl or carfentanyl.

Addaction has said that, elsewhere the UK, there have been drug-related deaths where traces of fentanyl were found in drugs recovered from the scene.

Both these drugs are far more potent than heroin and so the risks of overdose and death are greater even when taking a very small amount.

Fentanyl is about 100 times more potent than morphine, while carfentanyl is 4,000-10,000 times more potent.

Jon Cook from Addaction said: “Whilst we’ve not seen any deaths linked to fentanyls in Devon, if you or someone you know is using heroin, you should be aware of the increased risks of overdose if the heroin has been cut with these drugs.

“We want people to be extra cautious, never use alone and ideally come and seek support for their dependency. We would also encourage people to come to Addaction RISE for Naloxone training and take home kits, which can help save lives in this situation.”

For support and information call 0300 303 3384 or visit www.addaction.org.uk.