Further arrests as Watford hazardous drugs investigation continues
Police are looking into a possible hazardous batch of class A drugs, after several people suffered 'medical episodes' in the town earlier this month
Three men have been charged by Hertfordshire Police, as an investigation into a possibly hazardous batch of class A drugs continues.
It follows a warning issued by the force earlier this month, as a number of people in Watford suffered medical episodes after possibly taking synthetic opioids, under the guise of heroin.
Officers seized substances believed to be class A drugs on Wednesday (March 20) and forensic work is ongoing to establish the presence or otherwise of synthetic opioids classified as Nitazenes - which could lead to overdose, cardiac arrest or potentially death.
Three men were also arrested, and charged - currently there is no evidence to directly link those arrested to the medical episodes in the town.
• Daniel Harlley, aged 28, of Vicarage Road, Watford, has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He has been remanded into custody.
• Deejay Evans, aged 21, of Fairlawn Close, Feltham, has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He has been remanded into custody.
• Yannick Lomete, aged 29, of Pickard Street, London, has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He has been released on court bail with conditions.
A man and woman previously arrested are on police bail.
Hertfordshire Police are also issuing advice, including being cautious about sources where you get drugs, not going alone, not mixing drugs, and taking Naloxone or having a kit with you.
"I hope the news that we have located a substance and removed it from the streets of Watford, provides some reassurance"
Detective Inspector Grant Finnie, from the Serious Crime Investigation Unit, said: “We have been working hard to identify the source of what we believe to be a hazardous batch of drugs that has been circulating in Watford. I hope the news that we have located a substance and removed it from the streets of Watford, provides some reassurance to the local community.
“However, I would still urge people who may use these drugs to be cautious and make an informed decision. It is a reality that we are seeing an increase in the use of these synthetic drugs and although we have taken some Nitazenes and other class A drugs off the street, it is our responsibility to warn members of the public that there may still be some with the dangerous substance in circulation. We continue to try and trace any remaining hazardous drugs.”