DRUG-related deaths in the region are the highest in the country, it emerged today – as it was confirmed that at least six deaths in Stockton are linked with a deadly narcotic which is up to 10,000 times stronger than heroin.

The North-East has seen a 13 per cent increase in drug related deaths in a year, which in turn is a third higher than the national average.

Durham’s Police, Crime and Victims Commissioner Ron Hogg has urged the government to rethink its approach to drug policy as drug poisoning deaths nationally reached a record high.

The North-East region saw 77.4 deaths per one million of population, compared to 42.9 deaths per million across England – with Middlesbrough and Hartlepool having the fourth and fifth highest numbers of drug deaths in the country.

Middlesbrough saw 11 deaths for every 10,000 population, while Hartlepool was slightly lower at ten.

It also emerged that 60 people across the UK - including at least six in Stockton alone – had died from the narcotic fentanyl and its variants.

One of those, carfentanyl is used to anaesthetise large animals like elephants, and is so potent that even one drop can be damaging to health.

As the National Crime Agency (NCA) said it was investigating the use of the drug, Cleveland Police confirmed there had been an “unusually high number” of deaths linked to Class A drugs in Stockton.

A review of ten deaths in the Stockton area in the first five months of the year has been carried out, with toxicology tests undertaken and fentanyl confirmed in six cases, inconclusive in three and one is still pending.

Officers recovered wraps of heroin containing carfentanyl earlier this year and 40-year-old Gary Pattison, of Scurfield Road in the town, was jailed for seven years last month for being in possession of wraps of heroin containing carfentanyl.

The NCA warned that the death toll from fentanyl could rise further as it continues to investigate a number of drug-related deaths.

It accused drug dealers of playing “Russian roulette” with users’ lives.
The potency of the drug means that investigating officers often have to wear protective clothing to handle the substance.

The 60 victims nationwide were predominantly men and a range of ages, with none younger than 18, the NCA has said.

This afternoon the Government’s overall drugs policy was branded “scandalous” by the Transform Drug Policy Foundation.

Meanwhile, Mr Hogg said: “I am deeply disappointed and saddened to see the figures.

“They are a true reflection of our failing drug policy. It does not reduce the harm caused by drugs and it does not save the lives of vulnerable people who use drugs. 

“I have called on the Government to review the current UK drug policy, as it urgently needs to do more to save lives and reduce drug related-harm.

“The only way to stop people dying from drugs is to reduce the harms that accompany drug use. 

“Harms that at present, are greatly increased by the law as it stands.”

He said the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the main law regulating drug control in the UK, was out of date and in need of a fundamental review.