Warning issued after person dies and others hospitalised from consuming meth or cocaine laced with heroin

One person has died and four others have been hospitalised after consuming methamphetamine or cocaine that was laced with heroin.

Victoria’s Health Department issued a warning after people required emergency care following a spate of separate incidents across the state.

A spokesman said blood tests showed heroin, as well as cocaine and methamphetamine, were present, but users were unaware the drugs contained the opioid.

“Heroin is an opioid that can produce life-threatening toxic effects in very small amounts,” the spokesman said.

“Opioids are central nervous system depressants, typically producing a range of effects including pain relief, sedation and respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing).

“Small amounts of opioids can cause life-threatening overdose, especially in people who have never used opioids or only use them occasionally.”

The department warned heroin produced sedative effects that could lead to a life-threatening overdose.

“Know the signs of opioid overdose and carry naloxone,” the spokesman said.

Authorities urged people to call triple-0 immediately if they experienced toxic drug effects.