Synthetic drug fentanyl linked to deaths of 60 people in UK

SIXTY people have died in the UK in the past eight months, in circumstances believed to be linked to a drug more potent than heroin, it has been revealed.

The National Crime Agency (NCA), is investigating the use of the potentially deadly fentanyl and its variants, and has warned the toll could rise as they await further toxicology results.

The toxic synthetic opioid is being mixed with heroin and in some cases proving fatal, the agency said, as it accused dealers of playing “Russian roulette” with users’ lives.

The warning came as a man from Gwent was charged with importing and supplying the drug.

A trio were charged with conspiracy to supply and export class A drugs after a raid at a drug-mixing facility in Morley, Leeds, in April.

The NCA said it had identified 443 customers of that “criminal enterprise” - and 172 within the UK.

Kyle Enos, of Maindee Parade in Gwent, was charged following a separate investigation and is accused of importing, supplying and exporting class A drugs.

The 25-year-old, who is in custody, is due at Cardiff Crown Court for a hearing on August 29.

Police said they identified him using the so-called dark web to buy fentanyl or synthetic opioids.

Recent investigations have uncovered that fentanyl and its chemical adaptations are being both supplied in and exported from the UK, the NCA’s deputy director Ian Cruxton said.

Fentanyl can be legally prescribed as a painkiller.