Three deaths being linked to drugs batch

POLICE are linking the sudden deaths of two men in Newport to heroin and are warning about a “potentially volatile” batch of the drug which may be circulating.

Medical emergencies involving two other men have also been linked to the drug.

All four incidents happened between January 1 and 8.

Gwent Police said it was not yet clear whether they were caused by the strength of a particular batch of drugs or contamination with another substance.

A 31-year-old man from Newport has been arrested on suspicion of the supply of class A drugs after three search warrants were executed on Thursday. He has since been released under investigation.

Meanwhile South Wales Police have been investigating a batch of drugs in circulation in Rhondda after the sudden death of a 17-year-old boy.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Wilkie, of Gwent Police’s East Local Policing Area, said: “It is not clear yet whether all these tragic events are directly related. However, I cannot rule out the possibility that these deaths and medical emergencies are linked to the same batch of heroin.

“The use of heroin is, of course, illegal but I would urge anyone currently using the drug to be especially cautious and vigilant. If you are considering taking drugs please think twice.”