FOI 163-24 Synthetic Opioids
Enquiry Reference: 163 -24
I write in connection with regards to your Freedom of Information request, firstly please accept my apology for the delay. Below is your request and our response.
I am writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request the following information from your police force about novel synthetic opioid seizures.
- Does the force test for novel synthetic opioids? If yes, please list which.
By novel synthetic opioids, I mean opioids such as nitazenes and fentanyls, but not synthetic opioids such as e.g. tramadol or methadone.
Cleveland Police do not carry out any testing for novel synthetic opioids. If this testing is required we would submit to an external forensic service provider.
In the years to March, 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022; 2023; and so far in 2024:
- (a) How many seizures of nitazienes or substances containing nitazenes (if possible, please specify which nitazene, e.g. Etonitazene) did the police force make? 2023 – one case (x2 exhibits) containing Metonitazene.
(i) If possible - please specify the 'main' substance seized (e.g. heroin adulterated with Etonitazene) Diamorphine (Heroin) 4.57g
(ii) If possible - please specify the quantity seized in each incident. Metonitazene unmeasured
(iii) If possible - please specify where these seizures took place. Hartlepool
In the years to March, 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022; 2023; and so far in 2024:
- (a) How many seizures of other novel synthetic opioids, or substances containing other novel synthetic opioids (if possible, please specify which type, e.g. Carfentanil) did the force make? None in any year
(i) If possible - please specify the 'main' substance seized and what form it was in (e.g. heroin adulterated with Carfentanil, or fake Oxydone pill adulterated with Carfentanil)
(ii) If possible - please specify the quantity seized in each incident.
(iii) If possible - please specify where these seizures took place.
Please note that all statistical data supplied in relation to Freedom of Information requests is a snapshot of data held at the time the request was received by the Freedom of Information office and is subject to constant change/updates.
The Cleveland Police response to your request is unique and it should be noted that Police Forces do not use generic systems or identical procedures to capture and record data therefore responses from Cleveland Police should not be used as a comparison with any other force response you receive.
If you are not satisfied with this response or any actions taken in dealing with your request, you have the right to request an independent internal review of your case under our review procedure. The APP College of Policing guidance states that a request for internal review should be made within 20 working days of the date on this response or 40 working days if extenuating circumstances to account for the delay can be evidenced.
Yours sincerely
Information Rights Decision Maker