Police have charged a man in connection to the deaths of three people in Colchester. Two drug-related deaths were reported in the city last weekend followed by a third death on Tuesday (May 14) and another being taken seriously ill but who was saved by medical staff.
Each incident is believed to be related to the consumption of Class A drugs. Police have arrested three people as part of their investigation into the deaths.
On Thursday afternoon, Essex Police named 20-year-old Sabrino Hajderaj of Sunny Bank, London, who has been charged with possession with intent to supply heroin, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, and possessing a bladed article in a public place.
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Police had previously charged Bryan Tegunde, 19, also from London in relation to the three deaths, while another man, aged 21, remains under investigation and has been released on police bail.
Hajderaj appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 15 May and was remanded in custody until a hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on June 12.
Tegunde, 19, of Cambridge Park Road was been charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and concerned in the supply of crack cocaine. He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today.
Inspector Mark Jones, of Raptor North, said: “Our work investigating a county line of interest is progressing well and we are working tirelessly to ensure those suspected of supplying Class A substances in Colchester are stopped. Every day across the county, our specialist teams from Essex Police's Serious Violence Unit work hard to dismantle county lines and safeguard our communities. But we appreciate concern will be heightened as a result of these three deaths.
"Seeing deaths as a result of Class A drug use is the sad reality of the risk posed by these substances. Drugs are illegal for a reason – they are dangerous and can cause real harm to those who use them.
"We would always urge people not to take any illegal substances. We strongly advise all drug users to get support from experts, such as those at Open Road. In a medical emergency, please call 999.”
Inspector Christopher Coyles, of Colchester’s Local Policing Team, said: “I appreciate there will be a very real and understandable concern following the news of three deaths linked to drug use in Colchester. Alongside the work of Raptor officers, officers within Colchester’s community policing team will be maintaining a visible presence in the city – patrolling areas such as Castle Park and the city centre to ensure we are there and available to anyone with any concerns.
“We will also be keeping up those patrols to identify where there is any suspicious activity and to identify or safeguard anyone who may be at risk.”
Police have appealed for information relating to the deaths, you can get in touch with police by calling 101 or making a report on their website. Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report through independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
