News and events

Drug Alert: Contaminated Heroin in Oxford City 

We have been notified by Oxfordshire DAAT of several reported incidents over the last 24 hours in Oxford City due to a contaminated batch of heroin.

Early indications are that up to 11 individuals have been admitted to the John Radcliffe Emergency Department with one possible drug related death.

If you have any information you would like to pass on, speak to your Drugs Worker or contact Wokingham Drug Action Team.

Cannabis Upgraded to Class B drug - in effect from 26 January 2009

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has confirmed in the House of Commons today - 7 May 2008 - that cannabis will be upgraded from a Class C to a Class B drug. 

Taking effect from early 2009, the reclassification will mean:

• More roubust enforcement against cannabis supply and possession, and those repeatedly caught with the drug will not just receive cannabis warnings, but could now face an on-the-spot fine of £80

• A new strategic and targeted approach to tackling cannabis farms and organised criminals behind them

• Introducing additional aggravating sentencing factors for those caught supplying cannabis and other illegal substances near further and higher educational establishments, mental health institutions and prisons

Drug Alert: Heroin Contamination Update

Further to previous warnings, in Hampshire, within the last week, at least 5 persons have been admitted to hospital after injecting a heroin based substance. At least one individual has been admitted to intensive care, prompt medical attention being required. The normal medical drugs to counteract the effects of an overdose do not appear to be working. There is therefore a high risk of overdose or death. 

In the event of a suspected overdose or adverse effect then urgent admission to hospital is required. In order to prevent the spread of this contaminated substance please could any information be passed direct to the police, or in confidence to the DAAT or other provider agency.

Drug Alert: Heroin contamination

We have been notified by Oxford DAAT of several reported overdoses in the last 24 hours in the Didcot area due to a contaminated batch of Heroin.

The Heroin concerned is darker colour and turns ‘blood red’ when cooked up.

The symptoms are varied with a number becoming extremely violent and others becoming immediately unconscious.

If you have any concerns please speak to your Drugs Worker.

The new 10 year National Drug Strategy 'Drugs: Protecting Families and Communities' has been launched.  For full details of content go to the Home Office drug strategy website pages