News / avon and somerset police
Six people dead amid circulation of ‘dangerous batch of heroin’
Six people have died and many more have needed emergency care following the circulation of a dangerous batch of heroin in Bristol.
Public health officials have issued an urgent safety warning following the news, and four people have been arrested.
Avon & Somerset Police are investigating the incidents and the source of the substances, but early indications suggest the cases relate to a dangerous bath of heroin in circulation.
is needed now More than ever
Commander, superintendent Mark Runacres, said: “We’re working closely with all our partner agencies in response to this series of tragic incidents and extensive enquiries are being carried out to identify those involved in the supply of heroin into our communities.
“We’ve made four arrests to date and have seized a substantial quantity of suspected heroin from a property in east Bristol.
“One of those arrested, a man in his thirties, has been charged with possession with intent to supply a class A drug (crack cocaine).
“If anyone has information which would help with our investigation, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223152117.”
Christina Gray, director for Public Health and Communities, said the number of deaths was “unusually high”.
“This is an unusually high level of health-related incidents, so it is important that people are made aware and take the appropriate actions needed to help protect themselves from harm whenever possible.
“Our city offers robust substance use services, and we remain committed to collaborating with our partners to ensure that those in need receive the necessary assistance and support.”
Lydia Plant, treatment team service manager at Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) urged people taking heroin to visit the centre to take Naloxone, a medicine that reverses opiate overdoses.
“Over the last ten days, countless people’s lives have been saved by Naloxone.
“BDP can issue Naloxone to anyone that needs it – you may be able to save someone’s life with it.
“Whether you use heroin, live with someone who does or might come across someone overdosing in your community or as part of your job, please visit our website or drop in to BDP to pick some up.”
Main photo: NHS
Read next:
- ‘We need to ensure that people are safe when they’re choosing to take drugs’
- Tributes paid to Bristol Drugs Project chief exec, Maggie Telfer
- One dead and 20 hospitalised from lethal batch of drugs circulating in Bristol
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