Police have discovered the UK's first drug laboratory manufacturing nitazenes in Ayrshire, according to a senior officer. The breakthrough represents a significant milestone in tackling the dangerous synthetic drug trade.
Nitazenes are high-strength synthetic opioids that pose extreme risks to users. The drugs are often mixed into other substances without users' knowledge, making them particularly dangerous due to their potency.
Impact on drug supply
The laboratory's discovery and subsequent seizure of equipment has had measurable effects on Scotland's drug market. Police report the operation contributed to a 41 per cent reduction in benzodiazepine supply, another drug type that sometimes contains nitazenes.
Between January and March 2025, nitazenes were detected in 38 drug deaths across Scotland. The figure highlights the growing threat these substances pose to public health.
Police operations briefing
Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors updated the Scottish Police Authority board on Thursday alongside Chief Constable Jo Farrell. The briefing covered recent successes in dismantling drug manufacturing operations.
Connors told the board: "We actually had a nitazene lab in Ayrshire that policing found and it's the first one in the UK. We believe that having taken some of those (presses) and the pills off (the market) may well have contributed to a 41% reduction in benzodiazepine, which is another type of drug that we're focusing on."
Wider enforcement strategy
Police Scotland has identified county lines drug dealing as a priority focus in northern Scotland. This involves organised crime groups from cities establishing drug-dealing operations in towns and rural areas.
Nitazenes are believed to have reached Western markets after being manufactured in China. Their extreme potency combined with users' lack of awareness about their presence in other drugs creates deadly risks.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
