Derby and Derbyshire Local Drug Information System (LDIS)

Do we ever really know what is in an illicit substance? Whether it's a fake tablet, white powder or dodgy vape, unregulated products can vary by strength and substance. Taking any illicit drug can be risky but when it turns out to be something different to what was expected there can be devastating consequences. People can become ill, hospitalised, and even die.

Sharing warnings about such drugs can often feel like a good thing to do but experience tells us that these messages can cause problems and can even advertise the substances they seek to warn about.

Following national guidance, Derby and Derbyshire Drug Alert Group have established a local drug information system (LDIS) which is designed to receive information about concerning substances, assess and grade risks, and, if needed, issue alerts to people who use drugs, and the organisations who come into contact with them.

A panel of local health, education, and law enforcement specialists will review information and, only when harm can be reduced, will they issue an alert. The alert will include the Derby and Derbyshire Drug Alert Group logo, giving reassurance that this information is relevant to the current local situation.

If you have a concern about a substance and want to make sure this is considered by the Derby and Derbyshire Drug Alert Group you can report it using the LDIS reporting form.

If you receive a drug alert that does not originate from the Derby and Derbyshire Drug Alert Group, you should not share it any further. You should email it to drugsupport@derbyshire.police.uk for review by the panel.

If you want to receive local drug alerts directly from the Derby and Derbyshire Drug Alert Group, you can join the Professional Information Network. For Derbyshire, email derbyshire.dard@derbyshire.gov.uk, and for Derby, email publichealth@derby.gov.uk providing your name, role, organisation, and email address.