A devastating super-powerful drug is spreading rapidly across the UK, killing more than 100 people.according to a British Broadcasting Corporation According to the report, a doctor who treated these patients urged the government to take urgent measures to curb the spread of the virus. The drugs, called nitrazepines, are synthetic opioids that are more than 500 times more potent than heroin, according to health officials. They added that nitrazepam is being mixed into other drugs and counterfeit medicines sold online. Fifteen synthetic opioids became Class A drugs on Wednesday, British Broadcasting Corporation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Pucci pointed out flaws in the data collection methods, explaining that this could lead to incorrect reporting of figures.

“I believe there are very few NHS laboratories across the country dedicated to testing nitrazepine,” the doctor told reporters. British Broadcasting Corporation.

“I do believe England was lagging behind on this and is now catching up. The data collection methods they use in testing drug paraphernalia will always only be the tip of the iceberg,” he added.

He observed 13 patients who overdosed and survived between July and October 2023.

However, the government said it is taking a series of measures to prevent nitrate-type substances from appearing on the streets.

The outlet quoted Home Secretary James Cleverley as saying: “Bringing these poisonous drugs under the tightest controls sends a clear message that the consequences of peddling them will be severe.”

His office said those involved in the supply and production of the drugs could face life in prison under the country’s Misuse of Drugs Act.

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) believes nitrazepine is produced in illegal laboratories in China and brought into the UK via Royal Mail and other parcel operators.

Authorities found them in samples of illicit diazepam tablets, which were likely purchased online.

Two people recovering from heroin addiction tell British Broadcasting Corporation They almost died after taking the new drug.

One of the men said he was hospitalized after taking nitrazepam, which he thought was heroin.

“It scared the living daylights out of me,” the man recalled of waking up in the hospital with a tube down his throat, a catheter and a heart monitor.

Experts now fear the new drug could spark a new summer epidemic in the UK, similar to the opioid crisis in the US that has killed thousands.