A DRUGS charity has said it is concerned a drug 50 times more potent than heroin could hit the streets of Gwent.

Fentanyl, a highly toxic synthetic opioid which is also approximately 100 times stronger than morphine, has been linked to 60 drug-related deaths in the UK since December last year, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Martin Blakebrough, the chief executive of Newport drug clinic Kaleidoscope, says there is considerable concern around it becoming easily accessible in the area.

“We are worried about fentanyl because the potential is very damaging,” he added

“We are concerned about how big of a risk it is - if it hit the streets, there would be deaths and that is why we are terrified.

“In the north west of England, there have been some deaths due to fentanyl.”

Mr Blakebrough said the charity is not currently aware of the drug being used in Gwent, but is putting out warnings to highlight the risks.

“If it is going to hit anywhere in Gwent, it will be Newport because it is a city,” he added. “People need to be aware of this danger.”

Nic Havard, an engagement worker for Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS), said he doesn’t think fentanyl is a concern at the moment though.

“There is no fentanyl in Gwent, there doesn’t seem to be any in Wales in fact,” he added.

“There is no cause for concern until there is evidence.

“However, we need to keep an eye on the situation so that, if it ever creeped into the area, we would want to be ready for it.”

Last month, internet dealer Kyle Enos, 25, from Newport, admitted using the dark web to sell fentanyl. He will be sentenced in December.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “We are not aware of the circulation of fentanyl being a problem within communities in Gwent at the moment however we continue to monitor intelligence concerning drug use to identify any emerging issues and we appreciate the work of Kaleidoscope in raising awareness about the dangers of such a drug and their continuing invaluable work in substance misuse.”

And a Welsh Government spokesman added: “The influx and use of the drug fentanyl is being monitored across Wales.”