A man was pronounced deceased at a bus stop on Gooch Street in Highgate, Birmingham, on 27 December 2025. The cause of death has been identified as acute respiratory depression resulting from the ingestion of Medetomidine, N-propionyl chlorphine, and heroin.
Details of the Incident
Area Coroner Emma Brown stated: "Mr Mirza was pronounced deceased at a bus stop outside 290 Gooch Street, Highgate, Birmingham on the 27th December 2025." Post-mortem testing revealed that his death was due to the respiratory depressive effects of the three substances. Mr Mirza had a history of heroin addiction and occasional use of cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy, but was believed to have been drug-free since mid-2025.
Reduced Tolerance and Novel Substances
According to the coroner, Mr Mirza's tolerance may have been reduced due to his period of abstinence. Additionally, Medetomidine and N-propionyl chlorphine are novel psychoactive substances that he may not have taken before, either alone or in combination. These substances are significantly stronger than more commonly abused sedatives and opioids. As a result, it is likely that Mr Mirza misjudged the impact of the substances he had taken.
