North Devon drug deaths: Police find banned substance in 'bad heroin'

Two people have died and a number of others were taken to hospital last weekend

Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 3rd May 2024

It's been confirmed that heroin linked to two deaths in the North Devon area contained a banned synthetic substance.

Nitazenes have been found in the drugs seized by police last weekend.

A major incident was declared for a time and a number of people ended up in hospital.

Devon and Cornwall Police say supplies of the drug have been contained and there's no wider risk to the public.

North and West Devon local policing area commander Superintendent Toby Davies said: “The substances have now been tested and found to contain nitazenes, which are incredibly dangerous.

“We believe there is no wider threat to the community and that the substance found on Friday has been contained.

“We are aware that our health partners are working with local drug users in a bid to safeguard them as much as possible.”

Enquiries are ongoing.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.