Four people arrested following 'major incident' over heroin in north Devon
Devon and Cornwall Police have urged drug users to be "extremely cautious"
Last updated 27th Apr 2024
Devon and Cornwall Police have arrested four people in connection with the distribution of a bad batch of heroin that has killed one man.
The force said that two men and two women were arrested after nine people were taken to hospital needing emergency medical treatment on Friday evening (April 26th).
Emergency services declared a "major incident" due to their concern on the strength of the drugs, though this was later stood down on Saturday morning (April 27th).
Hospitals in the north Devon towns of Barnstaple, Westward Ho! and Bideford were brought in to treat those who had taken the substances.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said that all four people - two men and two women - remain in police custody.
Superintendent Toby Davies from Devon and Cornwall reassured the public that the force is doing all it can to keep on top of the issue.
“As soon as we were made aware of the issue this substance was likely to cause on Friday evening, we did everything possible with partners to reach out to the drug using community to warn them of potential danger they were facing," Davies recalled.
“We continue to work with health partners to warn those who may be substance users to exercise extreme caution. However, we would reassure the community we believe this is now contained."
He also added that anyone who sees someone having a medical emergency should dial 999 as soon as possible.