EXCLUSIVE: Warning as deadly super strength synthetic opioids believed to be in vapes bought online - Brit man found dead with one in hand

A British man died after deadly super strength synthetic opioids were found in his system after he used vapes bought online.

People are being warned against buying vapes from abroad after Frederick Ireland-Rose, 30, was found dead with one of the vapes in his hand.

Toxicology tests found high levels of potent nitazenes in his system.

It is believed to be one of the first times the deadly drug has been found in a vape in the country.

Mr Ireland-Rose, from north London, was found unresponsive at his home with a vape in his hand on the afternoon of 15 September 2024.

Paramedics were called and managed to resuscitate him using advanced life support techniques, but he remained unconscious and was taken to hospital.

Sedation was removed soon after admission and he never regained consciousness. He died in hospital four days later.

A prevention of further deaths report by Sarah Bourke, HM Assistant Coroner for St Pancras Coroners' Court, sent to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and the Department of Health and Social Care, said: "Mr Ireland-Rose was known to purchase cannabinoid vaping fluids online from unknown sources outside the UK.

"Toxicology analysis found N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene at a level of 0.37 ng/ml in a sample of Mr Ireland-Rose’s blood.

"The Toxicologist reported that this is 'a potent synthetic opioid' which is 'thought to be similar or greater in potency to isotonitazene which is estimated to be approximately 20 times more potent than fentanyl'.

The Toxicologist also reported that 'nitazenes are illicit synthetic opioids which have recently emerged in the heroin supply in the UK'. "There was no evidence to suggest that Mr Ireland-Rose had used street heroin prior to his death.

"The Toxicologist confirmed that nitazenes can be ingested from a vape and that they have been detected in refillable vapes and vapes bought illicitly."

Mr Ireland-Rose had a history of opiate misuse, but was using cannabis and cannabinoid vapes to enable him to withdraw and had been off them for ten days and remained motivated to stay off them.

In January the Government banned 20 potent opioid substances, including nitazenes, saying since June 2023 there had been at least 400 drug-related deaths across the UK linked to nitazenes.

Ms Bourke wrote: "The use of nitazenes as an adulterant to street heroin is well known. The presence of nitazenes in vaping fluids is less well known.

"The level of nitazenes ingested by vaping will vary enormously depending on the frequency and extent of inhalations taken by the user. Consequently, the potential risk of overdose is significant.

"Public health measures are in place through statutory and voluntary sector drug misuse services to inform heroin users of the risks of nitazene adulteration.

"Cannabinoid vape users will often not be known to drug services and therefore may not be aware of the risks posed by nitazenes in vape fluids.

"In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your organisation have the power to take such action."

The Government bodies have until August 2 to respond.