Northamptonshire Police have issued a serious public health warning after a suspected bad batch of drugs was linked to multiple medical emergencies in the Wellingborough area over the Easter weekend.
The warning comes following a series of disturbing incidents in the town, which saw several individuals exhibiting signs of acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) — a dangerous condition associated with drug overdoses and psychosis.
The first emergency call was made shortly before 5pm on Sunday (April 20), when police and paramedics responded to reports of a man overdosing at a residential property in Wellingborough. Officers say the individual showed signs consistent with ABD.
In the early hours of Monday morning, a 33-year-old man was found in distress at a hotel in Wellingborough. He too appeared to be experiencing ABD and was taken to Kettering General Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Just hours later, at 2:45am, emergency services responded to a third incident at another local address. A 38-year-old man was reportedly hallucinating and displaying similar symptoms. He was also taken to hospital for further treatment.
Concern Over Potentially Dangerous Substance
Detective Inspector Beth Warren of Northamptonshire Police CID said the pattern of incidents has raised concerns that a particularly dangerous batch of drugs may be circulating in the area.
“We would never advocate anyone taking illegal drugs, but we acknowledge there are people in our communities with drug addictions,” she said.
“It’s vital that we put the message out around our concerns that there may be drugs in circulation which are causing really acute behavioural disturbance.”
At present, authorities have not identified the exact substance involved but confirmed that the behavioural and psychological symptoms seen in all three cases point to drug-induced psychosis.
Appeal for Information
Detectives are urging anyone with information about the possible source of the drugs to come forward.
Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity, or who has concerns about drug use in their community, is asked to call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Health professionals are also being advised to be vigilant for similar symptoms presenting at local medical centres or emergency departments.
Residents are urged not to take any unknown substances and to share this information to help prevent further harm within the community.
