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Death risk in latest drug cocktail craze
POLICE in Chippenham are urging people to steer clear of a deadly cocktail of drugs becoming increasing popular in the area.
The concoction, known as Snowballing, is a mixture of crack cocaine and heroin taken at the same time.
The result of this type of drug taking can be fatal.
One male drug addict in the town has had his body so ravaged by the misuse of the two drugs that he now faces having his leg amputated.
The number of incidents reported to Wiltshire Police in connection with this activity is on the increase.
Sergeant Martin Alvis of Chippenham Police said: "This is a very dangerous type of drug use and one which can lead to death.
"We have already had a number of incidents in Chippenham where people have overdosed and collapsed in the town centre as a result of Snowballing.
"On these occasions ambulance crews were called and the people received the medical help they needed.
"We urge people away from any kind of illegal drug use - but this appears to be in fashion at the moment and is something we need to stamp out.
"This is a national problem and it isn't just Chippenham that is affected.
"We have an excellent drugs team in Wiltshire Police and we act on all the information that we receive in relation to this."
By taking heroin and cocaine the user increases the risk of infection, overdose and physical damage.
Thomas Webster, 24, from Chippenham, used to take drugs on a regular basis, but now offers advice to drug users by working with various community groups and schools.
He said: "Snowballing is one of the most dangerous types of drug combination because it attacks your whole body.
"It has become a very fashionable thing to do and that is so worrying.
"When I took drugs I could not see a way out and didn't realise what I was doing to my body.
"I urge anyone who is taking any kind of drug to seek help and take a look at those family and friends around you - it's their problem too."
The cost of buying the two drugs used in Snowballing ranges between £10 and £80.
A spokesman for FRANK, the drug advisory service, said: "This concoction is highly addictive and highly dangerous.
"The risks of heart failure, convulsions and respiratory complications are increased when the two drugs are taken at the same time.
"Both of these drugs are Class A and so are highly illegal as well as seriously dangerous.
Although drug crime in Chippenham has dropped 36 per cent since last year, drug activity in nightclubs in the town has become more prevalent.
Earlier this month police raided a suspected drugs den in Kington St Michael.
Officers took away a substances thought to be cannabis.
1:50pm Thursday 10th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: moonraker1, chippenham on 6:17pm Thu 10 Apr 08
First person to be found dealing these types of drugs in chippenham should be arrested then hung by the neck from the town arches, and set an example to anyone else trying to sell drugs in the town... no doubt the problem will go away,
First person to be found dealing these types of drugs in chippenham should be arrested then hung by the neck from the town arches, and set an example to anyone else trying to sell drugs in the town... no doubt the problem will go away,
Posted by: pachyderm on 7:05pm Thu 10 Apr 08
moonraker1, let's hope it's NOT Judge Douglas Fields presiding. See earlier story "Drug addict given a chance
2:44pm today"
What we need is Judge Jeffrey back from The Bloody Assizes.
And no excuse from "pop stars" !
moonraker1, let's hope it's NOT Judge Douglas Fields presiding. See earlier story "Drug addict given a chance
2:44pm today"
What we need is Judge Jeffrey back from The Bloody Assizes.
And no excuse from "pop stars" !
Posted by: who dat? on 7:47pm Thu 10 Apr 08
Why warn them - let them solve the problem themselves!
Dead druggies = no market = no dealers!
[bold]SORTED!![/bold]
Why warn them - let them solve the problem themselves!
Dead druggies = no market = no dealers!
SORTED!! Posted by: TC, Chippenham on 10:41pm Thu 10 Apr 08
I remember River Phoenix dying in his mate's nightclub from snowballing...
about 15 years ago. Come on Chippenham! Be innovative, be original.
Bunch of sad drugged up losers doing the same stuff that grandmas in Hicksville USA are doing. How cool is that.
I remember River Phoenix dying in his mate's nightclub from snowballing...
about 15 years ago. Come on Chippenham! Be innovative, be original.
Bunch of sad drugged up losers doing the same stuff that grandmas in Hicksville USA are doing. How cool is that.
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