Potentially potent heroin supply in Lincoln

We are investigating a potent batch of heroin which may be linked to two suspected overdose deaths and a further six overdoses.

The exact cause of death in both cases is still being determined. However, we are considering whether they are linked to an unusually strong batch of heroin which we believe may still be in circulation in Lincoln.

The first reported death was on 27 June, and in the past week there have been reports of six further overdoses and sadly, a further death yesterday. All of the people affected are reported to have used similar doses of heroin.

At this stage it is unclear what is affecting the potency of the heroin. Like any other illegal substance, it should not be consumed. The addiction charity We Are With You is providing advice to drug users in the community, as well as naloxone, which is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.

We are proactivity following a number of lines of enquiry to identify the source of the drug supply to remove it from our streets. As part of those investigations, we executed a warrant at a property at the junction of Shannon Avenue and Moorland Avenue in Lincoln yesterday afternoon (18 July).

Four people, a 28-year-old man, a 31-year-old man, a 32-year-old man, and a 44-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. They have been released under investigation while our enquiries continue.

If you have information about where the drugs are coming from, we would ask you to come forward by calling 101 and asking for the duty Detective Sergeant at Lincoln. You can also report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.