Any illicit drug you purchase could have nitazenes in it.It is becoming more common

Warning that there has 'never been a more dangerous time to be taking drugs' as synthetic opiates linked to deaths

- THOMAS GEORGE

THE deaths of four people across Greater Manchester are being linked to a super-strength drug.

Nitazenes a group of synthetic opiates that can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin - are believed to be behind hundreds of death across the UK. It is feared the substances have been bought and consumed unwittingly by people who think they are purchasing prescription drugs from suppliers in countries such as China.

Earlier this year, the Manchester Evening News reported how experts in the city were bracing themselves for the impact of nitazenes on the city's drug scene. Now, it has been revealed that Greater Manchester Police is investigating the deaths of four people as potentially being linked to them.

Among them is Harry Durose, 21, who was found dead at his supported accommodation in Hyde, Tameside, on March 3. Drugs containing nitazenes were also discovered inside the address. The M.E.N understands Greater Manchester Police is investigating whether his death was linked to the synthetic opioids.

As previously reported by the M.E.N, Harry's mother, Amy Durose, said she believed her son had unknowingly taken the drug after buying items he believed to be diazepam on the black market, having previously been prescribed diazepam to treat a chronic joint condition.

Now, for the first time, a senior detective has revealed that nitazenes are being linked to three other deaths across Greater Manchester. Police did not provide further information about those deaths or the people who died, but all three are believed to be linked to fake prescription drugs purchased online, or heroin that has been cut with nitazenes, according to Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop.