But experts have warned that fewer drugs on the streets is not as positive as it sounds, as users are already turning to high-strength alternatives such benzodiazepines, while there is a significant risk of heroin users substituting with fentanyl, a lethal drug 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin.

The reduced supply is also leading to an increase in the price of some substances, including cannabis, and decreasing the purity of others as dealers cut them with different chemicals to increase bulk, experts have told the Guardian.

Dr Rachel Britton, director of pharmacy at drug, alcohol and mental health charity We Are With You, which runs 80 drug treatment services across England and Scotland, said: “We are receiving reports that the coronavirus is affecting the supply of illicit drugs.

“While less drugs on the street may seem like a good thing, what replaces them is usually more dangerous.

Cont'd:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/12/coronavirus-triggers-uk-shortage-of-illicit-drugs