Drug warning after 6 deaths in Stockton

Heroin users in Stockton are again being urged to be mindful of particularly harmful drugs being sold in the area after a sixth death which is suspected to be linked to the drug.

Police were called to an address on Hartington Road in Stockton at around 5.50pm yesterday evening, Wednesday 22nd March, following the death of a man aged in his early forties.

Three people were arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. Two women aged 30 and 33 and a man aged 26 were arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and they remain in police custody this morning.

On 5th February, a 35-year-old from Stockton was admitted to the University Hospital of North Tees but sadly died on 11th February. A second man from Stockton, also 35 years of age, was admitted on 13th February and a 27 year old woman was admitted in the early hours of 16th February. Both passed away on 17th February.

On 3rd March a man aged 37 and a woman also aged 37, both from the Stockton area, sadly died.

Detective Inspector Jon Tapper of Cleveland Police said:

“I would reiterate that, whilst we don’t advocate that anyone should buy any type of drugs, there are still batches of particularly harmful heroin in Stockton which are being peddled by dealers.

“Lives are being put at risk by accepting this particularly dangerous heroin and, sadly, there has been a further death in the area. We are concerned and would urge drug users to take extra precautions.”

Police are working with support agencies to advise drug users of the consequences of using these products and to identify the supplier or suppliers of these drugs.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers