Heroin in the Florence area, Italy

The authors report data on the analysis of heroin samples seized in the Florence area between 1975 and the first half of 1981. They consider that the Florentine situation, and the Italian market in general, is different from other non-Italian markets with respect to heroin content and to types of adulterant. No dangerous substances were found in the samples and strychnine, if present, was found in very low concentrations. The concluded that the cause of death in heroin addicts or users is due to the amount of heroin injected (overdose).