Police are urgently warning drug users in Swindon about a batch of drugs circulating in the area that are potentially more potent than usual.
This warning comes after ambulance crews and police were called to The Parade in Swindon town centre yesterday morning to the tragic death of a man in his 40s.
This incident follows three other suspected drug-related deaths in the area since the beginning of May. All four individuals are believed to have consumed what they thought was heroin before experiencing severe medical episodes.
Since the start of May, Swindon police and health professionals have been alerted to numerous cases where drug users have suffered severe health issues after taking substances such as heroin and cocaine, necessitating medical intervention. There is particular concern over a new group of drugs known as Nitazenes, which pose a significant risk of overdose, drug-related hospitalisation, and death. These potent opioids are often mixed with street drugs, including heroin, without the users’ knowledge.
Although there is no confirmed link between these recent incidents and Nitazenes, Wiltshire Police and health professionals are urging drug users to exercise extreme caution and to inform family and friends of the dangers posed by synthetic opioids.
Duty Superintendent Conway Duncan stated: “We are in close contact with our colleagues in Public Health regarding these incidents, and we are determined to protect people from harm wherever possible.
“While we do not condone illegal drug use, we understand the reality of addiction and the need to warn users about the dangerous batch of drugs currently in circulation in Swindon. If you are using drugs, we strongly advise against using them alone and recommend carrying naloxone, an opioid reversal drug, and being aware of the potentially fatal risks.”
Anyone with information or concerns about drugs in their community is urged to contact police officers on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
