ADDICTS ARE URGED TO SPEAK UP OVER ROGUE HEROIN BATCH

ADDICTS are being urged not to fear coming forward for help if they
think they have taken a dangerous dose of heroin.

Police have announced that a deadly cocktail containing the date rape
drug rohypnol, which incapacitates users, is circulating.

The warning comes after the body of a man, who is thought to have
died of a drug overdose, was found on Wednesday in Carlton Street car park.

Richard Palusinski, head of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) in
Swindon, said: "If people consider themselves outside the law, they
sometimes feel they may get into trouble if they seek help.

"Not all users are known to the services and may shy away from
calling for help.

"If you have taken an illegal substance and you feel unwell, forget
the fact that you have taken an illegal drug and get help now."

The CSP has released emergency communication about the rogue heroin batch.

"As soon as we hear of a problem that a drug is too pure or mixed, we
inform all drug treatment providers to get the word out on the street
fast," said Mr Palusinski.

The dangerous cocktail of heroin came to light after police
investigated the death of the 24-year-old whose body was found on Wednesday.

Mr Palusinski said there are currently five alerts in the south west
region about dangerous drug mixtures.

"Very often drug dealer chains will cut the drug with another
substance to make more money," he said.

"We never know what they have in their hands to cut heroin with -
Class A drugs are uncontrolled."

Volunteer Moya Pinson, who helped found Time For Us - a support group
for carers of drugs users - says that the poisonous batch shows just
how callous drug dealers are.

"This tragedy highlights the unpleasant truth that drug dealers are
out to make the maximum profit," she said. "The effect on the life
and health of the user is irrelevant.

"The family of the youth lost in the recent tragedy, has suffered the
worst kind of loss - the ultimate consequence of drug abuse. He lost
his life at 24 years of age."

She said parents and other relatives should make sure they let any
users in their family always know they have their support and aren't alone.

Moya also said that carers should encourage users to say no' to drugs
in light of the extra danger of current heroin supplies.

She also recommended that anyone who needs advice or help, to
telephone Swindon's Drug and Homeless Initiative (DHI) in the first
instance on 01793 617177.

Police have yet to release the identity of the man found dead in the
Carlton Street car park.