Wiltshire Police have launched an urgent warning to drug users in Swindon after a man in his 40s died in the early hours following an emergency call to The Parade in Swindon town centre.
This marks the fourth suspected drug-related death in the area since the start of May. All victims reportedly consumed substances they believed to be heroin before experiencing critical medical emergencies.
Police and health officials have responded to multiple cases where users of heroin and cocaine required urgent medical attention due to severe health complications.
A growing concern is the presence of a new class of synthetic opioids called Nitazenes. These potent drugs are often mixed with street heroin without users’ knowledge, significantly increasing the risk of overdose and death.
Although investigations have not definitively linked Nitazenes to the recent deaths, Wiltshire Police and health authorities are urging drug users to exercise extreme caution. They also encourage sharing information about the dangers of synthetic opioids with friends and family.
Duty Superintendent Conway Duncan said: “We’re working closely with Public Health colleagues to protect people from harm. If you’re using drugs in Swindon, don’t use alone. Always carry the opioid reversal drug naloxone and be aware of the potentially fatal consequences.”
Members of the public with information about drug-related activities in their area are encouraged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
