A SUSPECTED drug dealer is due to appear in court after the deaths of three men in Newcastle.

Northumbria Police launched an investigation over the Bank Holiday weekend after a string of incidents related to the supply of Spice in the city.

The force said three men – aged 34, 26 and 23 – had died after it was believed they had ingested a potent form of the drug.

A fourth man was also taken into hospital after he fell ill upon ingesting the substance. He has since been discharged.

An investigation to identify those responsible for supplying the Class B drug to those four men has been ongoing in recent days.

Eleven suspects were arrested on Monday, including a 27-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Of those arrested, eight men have been released under investigation and a 14-year-old boy and 25-year-old woman have been released without charge.

But the 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter has now been charged with a string of drugs offences.

A police spokesperson said: "Dylan McQue, of Shaftoe Street, Scotswood, has been charged with being concerned in offering to supply a Class B drug, possession of a control drug with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon.

"The charges relate to the supply of the drug to two of the men who sadly passed away."

Superintendent Helena Barron is overseeing the response to the deaths and has said her thoughts remain with the family of the deceased.

She said: “Regardless of the circumstances, the deaths of these three men is devastating for their families and should never have happened.

“We have been committed to trying to identify those responsible for supplying this potent form of Spice and our investigative teams have been working tirelessly in recent days.

“A number of people have been arrested, multiple addresses have been searched and we have worked closely with our partners to reach out to drug users in our city.

“That work has now resulted in one individual being charged with conspiracy to supply drugs on our city’s streets.

“Our enquiries will continue and we are committed to ensuring vulnerable members of our community have access to support.

“Anyone who ingests the drug and begins to feel unwell should seek immediate medical attention.

“We will continue to do all we can to keep our communities safe and anyone who has information that could assist our enquiry is urged to get in touch.”

McQue is set to appear before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday).

Anyone who suspects criminality or drug supply in their area is asked to call police on 101 or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

Further information about support for drug and alcohol users, including support for family members, can be found on your local authority’s website or on talktofrank.com