Two people are dead and seven others seriously ill amid fears a batch of high purity heroin is in circulation in Cork.
Drug users and medics have been warned to be on high alert after several patients were admitted to hospital in the city in the last 24 hours.
Two are said to be in a critical condition.
A 30-year-old man was found in an apartment in the Blackrock area of the city, and the body of a 26-year-old was discovered in a property on Old Youghal Road today.
It is suspected both died from an overdose after injecting the drug.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) said while investigations are continuing into all the cases, it is believed they are as a result of a strong batch of heroin which may be in circulation.
"The HSE South has alerted medical professionals in the region to be alert for patients presenting as a result of heroin misuse," it said.
"Community and voluntary groups working with drug users have also been alerted and gardai are aware of the matter. Health professionals are reminded to be vigilant and the public are advised that taking drugs carries serious health risks."
PA