Police warning to drug users

The drug has been linked to the death of the 30 year old man from the Wyke area of the town who collapsed at his parents’ home after taking the lethal drug on Friday, July 10th.

Although toxicology reports are yet confirm police fears, the drug is also believed to have led to the demise of a 26 year-old Bournemouth man and a 44 year-old Poole man.

Police suspect a particularly strong batch of the drug – or one that has been mixed with other substances – may be responsible.

Detective Inspector Jim Beashel, of Dorset Police’s Prevention and Public Protection Bureau, said: “Although toxicology tests have yet to confirm this we believe that all three deaths may be as a result of the same batch of heroin being taken.

“While I would never condone heroin use I’d like to warn all users about this current situation – I advise them to make sure that they are not alone if they take the drug.

“I’d also like to advise friends and acquaintances of those who use the drug to look out for any different or unusual after-effect that taking the drug may have – and if in any doubt whatsoever to immediately seek medical advice.”

A warning has also been circulated to all the police’s partner agencies in the healthcare services and to those organisations that offer services and support to the drug using community.

So far over the ten days Dorset police have received reports of four overdose incidents that are believed to be related, three in Weymouth and one in Bridport.

Anyone who has information about the supply of heroin – and in particular about the heroin being sold that may have been responsible for these deaths – should call Dorset Police on (01202) or (01305) 222222 or call call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.