Northamptonshire Police have issued a serious health alert following a series of drug-related medical emergencies in Wellingborough over the Easter weekend.
Several individuals exhibited alarming signs of acute behavioural disturbance (ABD), a life-threatening condition associated with drug overdoses and psychosis.
The incidents began just before 5pm on Sunday, April 20, when officers and paramedics responded to a Wellingborough home where a man was found overdosing and displaying clear ABD symptoms.
Later, in the early hours of Monday, a 33-year-old man was discovered in distress at a local hotel and was rushed to Kettering General Hospital for urgent treatment.
A third case occurred shortly after 2:45am, involving a 38-year-old man who was hallucinating and showing similar dangerous symptoms; he was also hospitalised.
Detective Inspector Beth Warren of Northamptonshire Police CID expressed serious concerns about a particularly hazardous batch of drugs potentially circulating in the community.
“We would never advocate anyone taking illegal drugs, but we acknowledge there are people in our communities with drug addictions,” said DI Warren. “It’s vital that we put the message out around our concerns that there may be drugs in circulation which are causing really acute behavioural disturbance.”
Although authorities have not identified the exact substance involved, the behavioural and psychological symptoms strongly indicate drug-induced psychosis.
Police detectives are urging anyone with information about the source of these dangerous drugs to come forward. Residents who notice suspicious behaviour or have concerns about local drug use are encouraged to contact police on 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Health professionals have also been advised to remain vigilant for similar cases presenting at clinics and emergency departments.
Meanwhile, the public is strongly advised not to consume any unknown substances and to share this warning to help protect others in the community.
Originally published by UKNIP.
