Xylazine detected in Slough heroin supply
Alert produced 29 January 2026
We have been informed that recent testing of heroin samples from people who use substances in Slough has confirmed the presence of xylazine and fentanyl in the local supply. This is an extremely dangerous combination that carries a high risk of overdose and serious harm.
Xylazine is a powerful veterinary anaesthetic that causes severe drowsiness and muscle relaxation and is not approved for human use.
Key dangers
- Severe respiratory depression (very slow or stopped breathing)
- Dangerously low heart rate and blood pressure
- Severe skin wounds and tissue damage (can occur anywhere on the body, regardless of how the drug is used)
- Wounds spread rapidly and are difficult to heal without medical treatment
- Risk of coma and death
Harm Reduction Advice
If you use drugs or know someone who does, please note:
- Your drugs may not contain what you've been told—you cannot tell by appearance alone
- Do not use drugs all at the same time
- Do not use alone – try to use with others around and check on each other.
- Always carry naloxone. Naloxone only works on opioids, but if you suspect an overdose, it should still be given
- Start low, go slow (use small amounts initially)
- Remind people they can send drug samples to WEDINOS for testing: WEDINOS - Welsh Emerging Drugs & Identification of Novel Substances Project
1. Call 999 for an Ambulance
2. Check if they are breathing
3. Put them in the recovery position
4. Administer Naloxone: Start with one dose of naloxone and wait a minute or two to see if normal breathing resumes. If it doesn’t, administer another dose of naloxone. Stay with the individual until the ambulance arrives.
Naloxone can be obtained through
- i-access. Call 0300 222 5932
- Guildford Action
- The Xchange
- any of the participating community pharmacies – see www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-health/community-pharmacies
Professionals can access free naloxone training from Guildford Action - contact 01483 560 003 to arrange.
Being in treatment reduces the risk of overdose. Surrey residents can get free treatment from i-access, where you may be prescribed opioid substitution medication such as methadone, so you know what you’re taking, and your risk of overdose may be reduced. Phone: 0300 222 5932
Please report any overdoses, intel on similar incidents to public.health@surreycc.gov.uk
