The dissociative hallucinogen 3-MeO-PCP, a phencyclidine derivative, can cause severe psychological agitation and life-threatening cardiorespiratory effects. The United Nations classified it as a Schedule II substance in 2021. This report describes the first UK fatality solely attributable to 3-MeO-PCP intoxication, adding to 15 previous fatal cases worldwide. The authors note that blood concentrations associated with toxicity remain uncertain but provide detailed sample information to aid future interpretation. They suggest that exercise may worsen toxicity, cautioning against use as a club drug where elevated heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure are likely.
In 2021, 258 UK deaths were attributed to novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Confirmatory testing for NPS is limited by cost and speed. Among 1000 acute recreational drug toxicity presentations to a central London hospital in 2019/20, 28 unique NPS were detected, compared to 31 in a 2016/17 cohort. Eight new NPS appeared in 2019/20: four benzodiazepines, two synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, one cathinone, and one ketamine analogue. No NPS opioids were found in either cohort. Cannabis, ketamine, and opioid detection increased significantly from 2016/17 to 2019/20, while alcohol, cathinones, GHB, and MDMA decreased. The findings align with European forensic trends and underscore the need for ongoing surveillance of emerging drugs.