Deadly threat of rogue drug batch
THE word rogue can conjure up an image of cheeky mischief, something a bit lovable — but rogue drugs are deadly serious.
Police have issued a warning about a batch of rogue heroin on the streets of Swansea which may already have claimed at least one life, and led to a number of non-fatal overdoses.
-
The finger of blame is being pointed at a new delivery of drugs that have come into the area — possibly of a higher strength or purity, or mixed, or cut with other substances.
This is a subject few people care to think about, but it is a topic the workers at Swansea Drugs Project see every day.
Project director Ifor Glyn said: "When you take a drug, especially a powder, you can never really know what is in it, or how strong it is.
"We have seen an increase in overdoses recently, which suggests new suppliers in Swansea, or drugs from a new source.
"For example, most of the heroin we see comes down the M4 corridor. It could be there is a new source."
Police have long warned that drug gangs from London are targeting South West Wales. Drugs are also believed to come into the area from Merseyside-based criminal organisations.
The sad consequences of such cross-border trade confronted worshippers at St David's Priory Church in the centre of Swansea last week.
Police believe the death of Danielle Brock, aged 26, from Morriston was drugs related — in particular that it was due to the so-called rogue batch.
Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Azzopardi, from Swansea CID, said: "There have been a number of overdoses and two deaths believed to be related to heroin within the past few days.
"At this time, we are not aware whether this is a bad batch or a different purity from that normally circulating within Swansea.
"I am asking anyone who is using heroin, in particular, to take extra care and, if necessary, seek advice as to how to stop and stay safe.
"There are a number of harm reduction agencies within Swansea as well as GPs and the Drugs and Alcohol Helpline."
This is where Mr Glyn and the drugs project often come in.
"There is no such thing as a safe drug. Every drug carries a risk — from a harm reduction point of view, it is about reducing the risks.
"When drugs are seized, they can be analysed to find out what is in them and how strong they are.
"A so-called rogue batch of drugs could be more pure than usual, or could be cut with something else.
"If somebody who uses the drug takes the same amount they are used to from a new supply, it can lead to an overdose.
"We have seen an increase in non-fatal overdoses," he added.
"The danger increases when people mix a drug like heroin with other substances such as alcohol, Valium or temazepam. All these effect the central nervous system. They slow down breathing and heart rate, which can lead to fatal consequences."
With a rogue batch on the streets, Mr Glyn said users' safety had to be a priority.
"The important thing is saving lives," he said.
"If someone has a new supply of drugs, they shouldn't just assume it is okay and take the same quantity as before — take a smaller amount to be sure."
Perhaps this is the kind of advice few people want to think about.
But the reality is the so-called war on drugs involves both law enforcement, and health and social care.
Police are certainly taking action — barely a day goes by without drugs raids somewhere in South West Wales. Big gangs are also being disrupted.
This summer, Phillip Grinter, from Aberdyberthi Street, Hafod, was sentenced to 13 years for being part a gang of 12 men and women that shipped £840,000 worth of cocaine from Liverpool to the streets of South Wales.
The arrest and conviction came after a seven-month inquiry which involved tracking gang members across the country, as well as covert surveillance and the bugging of suspects.
When police smashed the gang, they recovered seven kilos of cocaine — one of the biggest seizures in Wales in recent years.
But the fight against illegal drugs also involves saving the lives of those already using — needle exchanges, treatment, and, sometimes, emergency care.
Mr Ifor said: "We have very good partnership working in Swansea with police, hospitals, ambulance and drugs agencies. I think in many ways we are leading the way in Wales in this area."
Mr Azzopardi has said there is little evidence that demand for Class A drugs is lessening in Swansea — sadly, this is one sector of the economy where it seems there are still plenty of sellers and buyers.
A rogue batch of drugs is another factor in the narcotics lottery.
Following the discovery of Ms Brock's body outside St Mary's, the congregation said prayers for her.
Everyone dealing with the effects of drugs needs all the help they can get.
19 Comments
View all
by neathjock, neath
Monday, November 24 2008, 4:59PM
“I have to agree with Swanseajock....strongly.
do you know that there is a drug that the paramedics use to bring these people around after they take an overdose???bet you didnt...also bet you didnt know that each administration of this drug cost over £1000...tax payers money better spent comes to mind.”
by Lee, Neath Ex Pat
Monday, November 24 2008, 8:41AM
“Why not put a great big mountain of the stuff somewhere where the addicts can get free access. I dont care about them killing themselves on it but it should stop them stealing for it.”
by ammanford resident, ammanford
Sunday, November 23 2008, 7:17PM
“have to totally agree with swamseajock on this 1,iv been trough a lot in my life and yes did go through a rebellion stage but never ever was i tempted 2 go that far cos i knew how it could turn ut.
againthese druggies arent forced 2 take the drugs 2 start with n its their fault that they do so why should the rest of society have to suffer and feel sorry for them.
time 2 get tough n stop pussy footing around the dregs of sciety and then maybe the decent ppl of wales and the UK wont be scared 2 walk down the street after dark and wont be scared 2 leave their kids out 2 play.
wake up british judicial system cos u stink”
by louise, neath
Sunday, November 23 2008, 6:31PM
“fair enough jock. but the police aint done much justice for the latest victim they blamed it straight onto drugs and believe it or not it was nothin to do with drugs. her family have said she had been clean for a while and was doing very well. just goes to show how people always judge others by their past they never give them the benefit of the doubt i am a friend of the family and dont think they wanna hear this rubbish the reporters and police have said”
by Swanseajock, Swansea
Sunday, November 23 2008, 6:10PM
“I am sorry, I have sympathy with the families of the drug addicts, but please don't give me bleeding hearts about the users. I have had plenty contact with many drug addicts, family members included, but my opinion remains the same. I have yet to see anyone held down and have heroin and other hard drugs forced into their bodies by anyone else. Plenty of us have experienced loss and horrors in our lives, but have not resorted to killing ourselves with illegal drugs, and then passing that misery onto others, either by causing grief to family members or to others by the continual need for money to fund their odious habit, and the crime and misery that causes. I am slightly sorry if my views offend you but I will hold those views, and I believe a sizeable majority of the public, particularly victims of this scum, will hold the same views. he majority suffer in silence and the vocal minority urge us to feel symoathy for these people. No thanks.”
by Chris, Swansea
Sunday, November 23 2008, 6:09PM
“Ann Lewis and Louise. With the greatest of respect. These people are the dregs of society.
I have my own problems. They haven't forced me in to drug addiction. Take them on the chin and get on with it.
I have no sympathy for these people whatsoever. They have created their lifestyle. As long as they don't bother me. When they do they can jolly well go and rot!
Enough said!”
by Ann Lewis, Port Talbot
Sunday, November 23 2008, 2:45PM
“Have you ever heard of the saying SwanseaJack there but for fortune go i? Don't be so quick to judge especially as you have no idea about drug addiction and what it does to the families of addicts. by all means get rid of the pushers and the drug barron's but make more help available for those wanting to come off drugs. there are many reasons for someone starts taking drugs poverty, loss of a loved one,, mental illness. of course there are those who take drugs stupidly to give themselves a good time. but unfortunately there are people like you who shout their mouths off without the faintest knowledge of the subject. think how you would feel if your son/daughter or any relative got hooked on drugs would you still be saying get rid of them! i doubt it. so put your brian in gear before you come out with stupid remarks.”
by louise, neath
Sunday, November 23 2008, 8:54AM
“do u think its nice to talk like this as people are dying heroin is a very addictive drug like smoking. so please think bout the families of the recent deaths and shut your mouths shut and lets show our support and find ways of helping these people dont suppose people wanna read bout u either terry saying ur gonna try it it just gives people the wrong idea. these people are human after all”
by natalie edgmoore, swansea
Sunday, November 23 2008, 2:53AM
“Get rid of the filthy scumbags. I'm sorry but I think enough is enough the city centre is full of these scumbags and I agree with swanseajock. They are robbing people begging intimidating people and I fear for my childrens and parents safety because of these lowlife. Round them all up chuck them in one big centre and supply them with this rogue batch. As for the filthy dealers who rely on this money to live their flashy lives let them rot in hell. I think enough is enough and something drastic now needs to be done.”
by gavin, neath
Saturday, November 22 2008, 7:47PM
“terry how sad do you sound,get a life will you”