'Dangerous' batches of heroin being distributed in Walsall, health chiefs warn
'Dangerous' batches of heroin are currently being distributed in Walsall and surrounding areas, health chiefs have warned.
Public health bosses at Walsall Council say these batches are more likely to cause overdoses than usual, even at much smaller doses.
The council says it is monitoring the situation very closely.
The authority is working with Change Grow Live, a national health and social care charity which provides support, treatment and advice to people using drugs and alcohol, to spread information about the risks and concerns to drug users, as well as those who work with substance users in the borough.
Stephen Gunther, director of public health at Walsall Council said: “We would like to see as many people as we can come forward to our treatment services for support with any alcohol and drug problems they may have, and to get appropriate advice on how they can reduce their own risk.”
Walsall Council said it was following its usual processes for investigating any overdoses and drug-related deaths in the borough.
A spokesman added: "We do not have any confirmed drug-related deaths linked to dangerous batches of heroin at this time in Walsall.”
People who use drugs are being encouraged to contact the council's alcohol and drug treatment service provider – The Beacon, which is run by Change Grow Live – to make sure they are receiving appropriate support and treatment.
For further advice, visit changegrowlive.org/news/drugs-contaminated-synthetic-opioids-collective-message
