HEROIN contaminated with botulism is being sold by a Glasgow dealer who buried a stash before he was jailed for drugs offences and then dug it up when he was released.
The toxin, which has been linked with the death of at least one addict this month, is commonly found in soil.
Botulism is a potentially fatal illness which can cause paralysis of the arms, legs and the muscles that control breathing.
It is understood that the East End dealer supplying the drug was released from prison recently and dug up his stash but may not be aware that he is supplying heroin that has been contaminated.
A senior source at an organisation which works with addicts in Glasgow said: "The intelligence is telling us it's coming out of the East End of Glasgow. We know the victims have scored it in the Calton.
"The dealer we suspect it's coming from has just finished a three or four-year sentence for drugs offences.
"He's had heroin in the house and had heroin buried. While the heroin has been buried it's been contaminated.
"He's been jailed for three or four years and not told anyone about the stash. He's come out, dug it up and he's putting it out.
"The dealer probably doesn't even know the stuff he has dug up is contaminated.
"If he knew he'd probably stop selling it. No dealer wants to kill the clientele. They want them back as repeat customers."
It is feared the contaminated batch could have been cut into more than 700 smaller amounts sold on the street as 'tenner bags'.
Drugs charity the Scottish Drugs Forum has produced a card which advises addicts about the symptoms of botulism.
Director David Liddell said: "It is important that people who use heroin are aware that it may be contaminated with the bacteria that causes botulism.
"The postcard gives people who use heroin advice on how to reduce the risk of contracting botulism. It also details what the symptoms of botulism are.
"It is essential that people who use heroin seek medical support should they experience any of the symptoms mentioned. Left untreated botulism can lead to death."
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde also issued a warning to addicts after the announcement of another two cases on Monday.
One of the patients is from the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area while one is from the Lanarkshire area.
This takes the total number of cases currently in Glasgow hospitals to four.
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