Man dies in Birmingham city centre after taking Black Mamba drug

The homeless man, believed to be in his 30s, was pronounced dead just before 6am this morning after paramedics were called to Fletchers Walk in the city centre.

Mamba has recently been reclassified as a Class B controlled drug, meaning that possession of the substance is now a crime and anyone using it can be prosecuted.

The drug is believed to be commonly used, particularly among young people and those who are vulnerable, and many people could unwittingly be committing an offence, unaware of the change in legislation.

Detective Inspector Thomas Hadley, from Force CID, said: "It is extremely concerning that users of this substance are putting their lives at risk, even more so because we believe there is a potentially lethal batch of the substance currently being distributed in Birmingham.

"We will of course seek to help and support those who use these products, as we are very aware of the addictive nature of these substances and the serious harm they can cause, therefore we are keen to break the pattern of behaviour of those buying and using them.

"Those involved in the production and supply of these drugs, will continue to face robust action to disrupt their activity as we seek to shut down the manufacture and supply chains across the region."

For the facts on drugs and new psychoactive substances visit the www.talktofrank.com website.