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1 month ago
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A staggering 33 have been taken unwell after taking 'fake heroin', with police treating it as a 'critical incident'. It was previously reported by MyLondon that nine people had been taken ill in the borough (March 4). The numbers have since risen, with 17 people taken to hospital - but there are no reports of anyone in life-threatening condition.
The first cases were reported to emergency services on the afternoon of March 3 in the Hampstead Heath, Oval Road and Jamestown Road areas of Camden. The other incidents have also remained concentrated in the Camden area.
The substance, which users believed to be heroin, was revealed to be a synthetic opioid which is in circulation in the Camden area and causes an "extreme" reaction. On Wednesday evening (March 5) just after 8pm, a man in cardiac arrest was given emergency first aid in Haverstock Road, which likely saved his life.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Soole, one of the senior officers policing Camden, said: “We continue to work alongside our partners, including the local council and health professionals, to establish the full circumstances and identify everyone who has been affected.
“This is the fourth day of our response to this critical incident, and it is absolutely clear just how dangerous this substance really is. I urge anyone who may be at risk to take every possible precaution, including seeking support and advice from health professionals about alternatives to acquiring and taking illegal drugs. As I said on day one, my advice remains that people should not buy, sell or consume illegal drugs. They are illegal and the trade is not regulated, so there are always very serious risks. Please seek help. There have been no arrests at this stage but urgent enquiries are ongoing."
Cllr Anna Wright, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said: “These cases are extremely worrying and we are working together with the police and our partners in the community to do all we can to reduce further drug related harm.
“We have targeted the work of outreach teams to the affected locations and are making additional support readily available to those who may need it, including access to life-saving Naloxone kits. We have also issued a drug alert to our local network of healthcare and accommodation providers.
“Contaminated heroin continues to be an issue of national concern. In Camden, we are continuing to invest in our drug and alcohol services and raise awareness of how residents can access support including drop-in sessions in community venues, access to dedicated services for women, outreach prescription support and one-to-one support from Keyworkers.
Advice from Camden Drug and Alcohol Service
- Call for an ambulance immediately
- Administer naloxone if you have it. When you use naloxone, you should see it start to work in 2-3 minutes.
- If the person has not responded after 2-3 minutes, give them another dose and wait for 2-3 minutes again.
- The effects of naloxone will last for 20 minutes, but after that, they will wear off and the person will begin overdosing again. It’s important that the person still gets medical help during this time.
- If you would like access naloxone please contact your local drug and alcohol services.
Anyone with information about drug dealers is asked to share what they know with police or, to remain anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Anyone who is struggling with drug or alcohol use, or who knows someone that is, is asked to contact Change Grow Live on 020 7485 2722 or email Camden.referrals@cgl.org.uk.
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
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