WArning ovEr roguE hEroin

Drug users given safety advice over dangerous drug

Heroin users in Peterborough are being warned about a particularly dangerous batch of the class A drugs after two ‘serious incidents’ affecting users in the city. The warning over the rogue batch was issued by the Cambridgeshire Drugs and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT).

Users are being advised to ‘test’ the drug before using it - especially if purchasing it from a different source than usual - to stay safe, after adverse reactions werenotedafter the dangerous drugs were taken. The faulty drug gives users different side effect compared to heroin.

The statement from DAAT said people suffering adverse reactions should call for an ambulance immediately.

The statement said: “We are aware of two serious incidents involving heroin purchasedinPeterboroughon7th December.

“The heroin has been described as orangey/ brown powder which turns yellowy/ brown when heat is applied and immediate bubbling.

“Adverse symptoms include stimulant effect, heart immediately racing and not a sedative effect as usually expected from heroin.

“Thereforepleasebeaware when purchasing particularly from a different source or if you are unsure test a small amount first.

“I f you are concerned about yourself or anyone else that may have taken this substance and is displaying the above symptoms, please call 999 immediately.”

A Cambridgeshire police spokesman said they were aware of someone having an adverse reaction to the drug in the city.

It is illegal to sell or possess heroin, whichisaclassAdrug, in Britain.

Anyone convicted of possessing or supplying heroin could face a custodial sentence.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else using drugs you can access help and support from Inclusion Cambridgeshire on 0300 555 0101, or online at www.inclusion-cambridgeshire.org.uk

You can also visit www. changegrowlive.org/content/ aspire-peterborough for informationaboutthePeterborough based ‘Aspire’ service, which helps people with drug issues in the city.

To report drug rel ated cri me, contact Cambridgeshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.