By Billy Gaddi,Nick Forbes

Copyright dailyrecord

A spate of suspected drug deaths in Glasgow may be linked with a supply of contaminated crack cocaine, according to health experts. A number of people have taken “severely unwell” and others have died after being thought to have taken drugs sold to them as crack cocaine. The symptoms of those affected have included a rapid loss of consciousness, impaired breathing and collapse, with vomiting and seizures are also being reported. The health board said at least some of the cases are linked to the contamination of the crack cocaine supply with a synthetic form of cannabis commonly known as “spice” – though other contaminants may be involved. It added that synthetic cannabinoids are “very unpredictable” and difficult to dose accurately, with even the smallest amounts potentially causing seizures, loss of consciousness or death. Earlier this month, we reported that emergency services raced to Cambridge Street on the evening of Tuesday September 9 following reports of a group of people taking unwel l. Crews attended and a 52-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene . Ambulance staff treated a 38-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man in the area, while a 37-year-old man was also rushed to hospital . It was later confirmed that the incident was related to the consumption of crack cocaine. NHSGGC and Glasgow City Alcohol and Drug Partnership have issued updated advice for drug users and drug services to help mitigate the risk of harm posed by contaminated drugs. A multi-agency management team has also been put in place to co-ordinate an ongoing health investigation and response. Dr Daniel Carter, NHSGGC consultant in public health medicine, said: “We would like to extend our condolences to anyone who has lost a loved one to drug use. “We encourage anyone who uses drugs including crack cocaine to access drug services and follow harm reduction advice to help keep themselves safe.” A spokesperson for the force said at the time: “Around 8.10pm on Monday, 8 September, 2025, officers were called to a report of a group of people having taken unwell on Cambridge Street, Glasgow. “Emergency services attended, and a 52-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin is aware. “A 37-year-old man was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition. “A 38-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man were treated by ambulance staff at the scene. “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”