The death of inmate is the third in custody so far this year to be linked to the killer drug,
Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids that can lead to serious overdoses and drug-related death.
The substance is considered more lethal than the synthetic drug Fentanyl which has ravaged the US.
The 21-year-old, who was found deceased in his cell following unlock at 8 am this morning. His death is the third fatality in custody so far this year to be linked to the killer drug,
The deceased is from the Darndale area of Dublin and was serving a two-year-sentence for drug offences.
The Sunday World is aware of the prisoner’s identity but is not identifying him at this time.
The preceding Nitazene-linked deaths in custody took place in Cork and Limerick prisons earlier in the year.
Sources indicated the link between the 21-year-old’s death earlier today and Nitazene was made after a quantity of pills were found in his cell following his death.
It’s understood the pills have been analysed by the HSE’s National Drug Treatment Centre laboratory and tested positive for a Nitazene type susbstance,.
The Sunday World understands prison bosses have adequate stocks of Naloxone kits on hand as they ordered in extra kits earlier this year.
The kits are effective if administered in time.
Last March, the HSE issued a red alert to all of the prisons in the Republic following the discovery of a link between a number of overdoses and Nitazene type substances.
“Analysis conducted by HSE National Drug Treatment Centre Laboratory has confirmed the presence of a Nitazene type substance, called N-Pyrrolidinoprotonitazene, associated with overdoses in Irish prisons,” the HSE said at the time.
“The HSE advises that there is extra risk at this time and strongly recommends those in prison avoid new types of drugs or new batches being sold.
“Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids that can lead to serious overdoses, hospitalisations and drug-related death.”
Speaking in connection with that alert, Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, said: “This is the first known case of Nitazenes in an Irish prison setting.
“We remind the public that the prison market may be different from others. These drugs may come as a variety of different coloured powders or pills.
“We advise all users of powders to exercise caution with all products, as the direction of these substances on the market cannot be guaranteed.”
The HSE issued a number of guidelines to drug users in the prison setting which it said may reduce risk from the drug.
“While it is always safer not to use drugs at all, the HSE urges individuals who use drugs in prisons to follow harm reduction steps which may help reduce the harms,” the statement said.
“If using in a prison setting, don’t be afraid to get help immediately for yourself or others if there is an emergency, it could help save a life,” the statement said.
More deadly than heroin and fentanyl, Nitazenes were linked to at least 54 deaths in the UK in the second half of 2023.
In a statement issued this evening, a spokesperson for the IPS said: ““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 contraband.”
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