Heroin seized in Hull in week of police action

Operation Windsor was carried out by Humberside Police last week to crackdown on heroin use in the city.

Six warrants were executed at properties in the city under the Misuse of Drug Act, resulting in four people being charged with drug offences and two other people being later released “under investigation” while police enquiries continue.

The force said the operation is a new initiative to divert heroin users into support, deter them from crime that funds their habit and targeting enforcement activity on the organised crime groups.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Kirby said: “This operation wasn’t just about executing warrants, however it is pleasing to see the address targeted were involved in drug dealing and led to both substances being seized and people being charged.

“Drug dealers are a magnet for associated crime and anti-social behaviour and they have a big impact on the local neighbourhoods and therefore it is important that positive action of this nature is taken.

“The operation has also involved a large number of partners which has enabled us to support anyone wanting help to tackle their drug misuse and dealing with other wider community issues.”

The force’s Early Intervention Team along with Hull Council and Renew - Drug and Alcohol Services visited people linked to shop theft, vehicle crime and other thefts with a history heroin use to direct them into support.

Operation Windsor was partly prompted by a rise in deaths potentially linked to heroin use in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Toxicology tests have found that a number of drugs deaths in Hull have been linked to heroin contaminated with synthetic fentanyl, which is more potent than traditional street heroin.

DCI Kirby said: “Heroin contaminated with the synthetic fentanyl makes it very dangerous for heroin users and for this reason it is even more important that we direct people into support to tackle their addiction. We are continuing to work with partners in health to provide advice to drug users if they or others they know become unwell after they use drugs.”

Drop-in events for those with concerns about drug use or who seek access to support will take place on: Wednesday, May 10 at the Octagon Café in Walker Street between 2-4pm; on Friday, May 19 at RENEW Officer on Trafalgar House in Beverley Road between 3-5pm; and, on Tuesday, May 23 at the Octagon Café in Walker Street between 2-4pm.