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Connect’s First presentation of 2026 in Eastbourne for Sussex County Council.
Drug Alert Sussex September 11th 2026
We have received several reports of overdose in the Hastings area involving a range of substances. We are currently gathering further information to help us understand the situation and support an appropriate response.
We would be grateful if you could encourage your teams and colleagues to share any information relating to:
Drug-related overdoses (involving any substance)
Unusual drug presentations or unexpected effects
Emerging trends or concerns
Information shared by people accessing your services that may help us better understand local risks
Information can be reported via the LDIS form. Change Grow Live LDIS Reporting Form
If you are unable to submit information through the form, please email Drugalertsussex@cgl.org.uk with the details and we will follow this up directly.
Please continue to promote harm reduction messages and encourage both staff and people accessing your services to carry Naloxone or Nyxoid. These medications can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose.
Naloxone is available from local CGL services and many community pharmacies. Nyxoid is currently available through CGL services only.
You can contact East Sussex services on:
Telephone: 0330 128 1113
Email: EastSussex.Firststep@cgl.org.uk
We have attached a harm reduction leaflet which may be useful to share with colleagues and people accessing your services. We would appreciate your support in raising awareness of overdose risks and promoting safer practices. Where appropriate and with the individual’s consent, please encourage referral into our service via the following link: Referrals – STAR Drugs and Alcohol Service – East Sussex
Please share any information, even if it appears anecdotal or incomplete, as small pieces of intelligence can help build a wider picture of emerging risks within the community.
The LDIS Panel will continue to review all information received and will provide further updates as our understanding of the situation develops
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support with this important work. By sharing intelligence, promoting harm reduction, and increasing access to Naloxone and Nyxoid, we can work together to reduce harm and help prevent drug-related deaths within our communities.
Ketamine and Cocaine Mixture hitting the streets of the UK was reported in January 2026
A new ready-mixed version of Ketamine, referred to as ‘Kevin Cline’, is now on the streets of the UK. It’s a mixture of Ketamine and Cocaine. This poses a high risk of overdose among its users.
Increased Overdose Risk: Harm Reduction
July 1st 2025
The Risk of Overdose has increased by 80 to 100% Fentanyl, Xylazine, Nitazenes and Synthetic drugs are being found in a growing range of illicit drugs.
Fentanyl: It’s almost impossible to detect whether heroin has been mixed with Fentanyl just by looking.
Xylazine: Not for Human Consumption found mixed with heroin. naloxone does not reverse the effects of Xylazine but it will reverse any opioids taken.
Nitazines: Very Strong Synthetic Opioids these are being found in the drug supply across the country and are continuing to cause overdoses and deaths.
Synthetic drugs are being found in a wide range of illicit drugs. these drugs are highly toxic and being found in Cocaine, Ketamine and fake tablets being sold as Diazepam and could prove FATAL.
Shisha Hookah Health Awareness UK 8th July 2025
Shisha smoking on the rise in the UK and many mistakenly believe that it’s less harmful than cigarettes. It’s Illegal to smoke Shisha in enclosed public spaces and to sell tobacco or vaping products to anyone under 18.
https://www.substancemisuseresources.co.uk/harm-reduction-information/shisha-and-hookah
Alcohol Awareness Week July 2025
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