The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has issued an urgent drug alert to prisons following analysis conducted on drugs linked to overdoses among prisoners.
The IPS said analysis of the drugs by the HSE National Drug Treatment Centre Laboratory confirmed the presence of a "nitazene type substance, associated with overdoses in Irish prisons, one of which is fatal".
Posters issued by the IPS added: "Nitrazenes (sic) can be found in pills of powder. They are strongly linked to yellow tablets."
The IPS said it is working with the HSE on the matter, adding that prison healthcare teams have adequate stocks of naloxone should clinical intervention be required.
Naloxone is a medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs.
"Extra vigilance is being taken across the prison estate and the Irish Prison Service has commenced an information campaign for prisoners around the dangers of consuming non-prescribed illegal drugs," a statement from the IPS said.
The IPS also urged anyone with information on the trafficking of drugs into prisons to contact them via their free confidential phone line on 1800-855 717, or via text on 086-190 2449.
