Number of people taken ill in Camden

Police are investigating after a number of people were taken ill in the Camden area.

We are now aware of ten cases and believe that all of these people became unwell after taking a substance believed to be heroin. One of these people remains in hospital; she is not in a life-threatening condition.

Emergency services were called at 1530hrs on Monday, 3 March, to a man taken unwell on Hampstead Heath. The man stated that he had purchased and taken heroin.

Around an hour later, four people were reportedly unwell in Oval Road, Camden. And a short time later, officers were made aware of three people who were unwell nearby in the area of Jamestown Road. Enquiries linked these people to the purchase of heroin.

Later that evening, two other people were found to be unwell in the NW1 area and again they are believed to have taken heroin.

Six people were taken to hospital, five of whom have been discharged.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Soole, one of the senior officers policing Camden, said: “The police response has been rapid and thorough. We continue to work alongside our partners, including the local council and health professionals, to establish the full circumstances – in particular to confirm that the drugs are the cause of these people being taken ill and to identify anyone else who may have been affected.

“Public safety is our priority and my advice remains that people should not buy, sell or consume illegal drugs. They are illegal and the trade is not regulated, so there are always very serious risks associated with taking these substances.

“There have been no arrests at this stage but urgent enquiries are ongoing. Identifying and arresting those who seek to profit from the misery and harm caused by illegal drugs is a key part of our work to protect the public. Detectives are working around the clock, every day of the year, to identify these callous criminals and bring them to justice.

“I urge anyone with information about drug dealers in your area to share what you know with police or, to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”