Update: Cases of drug users becoming unwell in Camden

Police officers and partner organisations, including Camden Council, continue to investigate a series of incidents in which drug users in the Camden area have become unwell after taking what they thought was heroin.

While enquiries continue, officers believe that 33 people have been taken unwell, with 17 of them having attended hospital. Officers are not aware of anyone in a life-threatening condition, however they continue to liaise with hospitals and other agencies.

The first cases were reported to emergency service on the afternoon of Monday, 3 March, in the Hampstead Heath, Oval Road and Jamestown Road areas of Camden. Subsequent incidents have remained concentrated in the Camden area.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Soole, one of the senior officers policing Camden, said: “We continue to work alongside our partners, including the local council and health professionals, to establish the full circumstances and identify everyone who has been affected.

“Analysis of substances recovered shows that what users believed to be heroin was in fact a dangerous synthetic opioid. It is clear that this remains in circulation, especially in the Camden area, and it causes an extreme reaction.

“In one of the most recent cases, just after 8pm on Wednesday evening, Met officers gave emergency first aid to a man in cardiac arrest in Haverstock Road, Camden. He had taken what he thought was heroin and it is likely that the actions of those officers saved his life.

“This is the fourth day of our response to this critical incident, and it is absolutely clear just how dangerous this substance really is. I urge anyone who may be at risk to take every possible precaution, including seeking support and advice from health professionals about alternatives to acquiring and taking illegal drugs. As I said on day one, 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. Please seek help.

“There have been no arrests at this stage but urgent enquiries are ongoing. 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.”

Cllr Anna Wright, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said: “These cases are extremely worrying and we are working together with the police and our partners in the community to do all we can to reduce further drug related harm.

“We have targeted the work of outreach teams to the affected locations and are making additional support readily available to those who may need it, including access to life-saving Naloxone kits. We have also issued a drug alert to our local network of healthcare and accommodation providers.

“Contaminated heroin continues to be an issue of national concern. In Camden, we are continuing to invest in our drug and alcohol services and raise awareness of how residents can access support including drop-in sessions in community venues, access to dedicated services for women, outreach prescription support and one-to-one support from Keyworkers.

“If you or someone you know needs support with drug or alcohol use, please contact Change Grow Live on 020 7485 2722 or email Camden.referrals@cgl.org.uk.”

Change Grow Live, Camden’s Drug and Alcohol Service, have issued the following advice:

If you are with someone who is overdosing:

• Call for an ambulance immediately
• Administer naloxone if you have it. When you use naloxone, you should see it start to work in 2-3 minutes.
• If the person has not responded after 2-3 minutes, give them another dose and wait for 2-3 minutes again.
• The effects of naloxone will last for 20 minutes, but after that, they will wear off and the person will begin overdosing again. It’s important that the person still gets medical help during this time.
• If you would like access naloxone please contact your local drug and alcohol services.