Warning over rogue heroin batch as drug is linked to deaths in Neath and Port Talbot
A ROGUE batch of heroin is being linked to two deaths and a series of overdoses in Neath and Port Talbot.
Police say the drug is of unusually high purity and has led to some users also suffering blackouts lasting several days.
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Two unexplained deaths in Neath, one involving a 17-year-old youth and the other a 40-year-old man, are both being linked to heroin use.
There have also been four non-fatal overdoses reported across the Neath Port Talbot area in the last week.
Heroin users, or family and friends who have concerns about them, are urged to seek advice from GPs or from a support helpline.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Davies of South Wales Police said: "We are issuing this appeal to highlight that heroin with a high purity is circulating within Neath Port Talbot, which is linked to a number of recent overdoses.
"Our partners at the Drug Intervention Programme (DIP) are issuing a warning to their clients to take extra care at this time.
"The situation becomes more critical when heroin is taken together with other drugs or alcohol."
Last month, 40-year-old Stephen Arthur Jenkins was found collapsed in New Henry Street, Neath, and later died in Morriston Hospital.
Then, earlier this month, 17-year-old Ashley Griffiths was found dead in the Melin area of Neath.
Police have confirmed they believe both deaths were linked to heroin.
Over the last few weeks there have also been four confirmed cases of overdoses involving the drug. Detectives have had information from local drugs agencies that some people have suffered days-long blackouts after taking it.
Mr Davies said: "We continue with our daily enforcement on the streets of Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea and work closely with the harm reduction agencies to encourage individuals to stop consuming drugs, particularly heroin.
"We receive regular information from members of the public and many of our successes are as a result of that information."
A Neath and Port Talbot police spokesman added: "The Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline provides a free and bilingual single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs or alcohol.
"The helpline will assist individuals, their families, carers, and support workers within the drug and alcohol field to access appropriate local and regional services."
The helpline number is 0800 633 5588.
Anyone with information relating to the use or sale of class A drugs is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk
12 Comments
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by Fed up, with smackheads
Friday, November 26 2010, 12:25PM
“When are folk going to understand, that bad people do heroin, not heroin turning people bad. Good riddance, a few less wretches, who would burgle you in a heartbeat.”
by dai mun, townhill
Thursday, November 25 2010, 4:33PM
“geff mun boyo-poetry from you a gain your wasted on yu mun”
by ken, ammanford
Thursday, November 25 2010, 4:17PM
“it is die not dye, are you on something meirion, i say put down all addicts then there would be no problem.”
by geoff, Westcross
Thursday, November 25 2010, 3:58PM
“the drug users pay their money and they take their choice.
no one makes them buy from this bad batch.
their families,although help them all they can,they cannot get them off the stuff,they must do it theirselves.
some druggies do want to help themselves,most dont need or want help!
dying at a young age, is the final chapter in their sad lives!!”
by Stu, swansea
Thursday, November 25 2010, 3:44PM
“Meirion,
Will you still be supporting the druggies when they have broke into your elderly relatives home to steal for thier next fix ? The majority of users are no hopers before they even start Heroin.”
by meirion, Swansea
Thursday, November 25 2010, 3:04PM
“Ken, Ammanford. Unfortunately you are the type of person who will not look beyond the addiction! People are dying as this drug is not controlled and available through a safe medium. More people dye from the affects of alcohol than dye of heroin, More people are Killed in violence through Alcohol than heroin!
More crime is caused for the need of Alcohol than Heroin.
Alcohol can be bought anywhere and drunk in vast quantities, look around you next time you go to a pub and call the people there who are drunk scum! I doubt that you would walk away unscathed.
If however you are totally insensative to the families of these victims there is no hope for you. Hate the Addiction and not the Addict!”
by ken, ammanford
Thursday, November 25 2010, 12:36PM
“do not tell them, then it will get rid of more scum”
by Mother of User, Swansea
Thursday, November 25 2010, 12:33PM
“You live in fear everyday that your child may lose their life to this evil, stories like this just reinforce that fear.... to those who have no experience or understanding, I wish you never do. Although I understand your frustrations your words serve no purpose other then to smart those who share my path”
by manselton jack, Manselton
Thursday, November 25 2010, 11:22AM
“Regardess of the wrongs of heroin use.
A bit more compassion needs to be shown on these boards.
These people were all someones family and we should never forget that.
The only good can come from this tragedy is if people are turned away from heroin and lives can be saved”
by Paul, Limeslade
Thursday, November 25 2010, 10:52AM
“Not having taken heroin I cant comment on the hold it has over the user.
I'm sure they want to give it up and do try but it seems more difficult than us none users appriciate.
Theres also the loved ones who have seen how this drug destrys a life and then utlimatly takes loved ones from them.
No one sets out to bring thier kids up as drug users and it mustbe a painful thing to live through watching your child lose control of thier life to this drug.
My thoughts are with those left behind.”