A man has died and six people became unwell with police ‘considering the possibility that they could have been caused by contaminated batches of drugs’
15:24, 10 Feb 2026Updated 16:34, 10 Feb 2026
Advice has been issued about ‘potentially dangerous drugs circulating in the Grimsby area’ (file photo)(Image: Getty)
A fresh warning has been issued about “potentially dangerous drugs circulating in the Grimsby area” after another series of incidents in North East Lincolnshire recently. Humberside Police say a man has died and six people became unwell following “suspected drug overdoses” between Friday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 10.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tom Kelly said: “Extensive enquiries remain ongoing into the man’s death and the six people who became unwell as we continue to ascertain the full circumstances of the incidents and whether the reports are linked.
“We are in the early stages of our investigation. However, we are considering the possibility that they could have been caused by contaminated batches of drugs. We would appeal to anyone who may have any information that may assist our investigation to please contact us on our non-emergency number 101, quoting log 319 of 10 February.
“We continue to work alongside the local authority, drugs and alcohol treatment services and the hospital trust to provide the appropriate support and advice to those who have been affected.”
It comes just over two weeks after a number of people “became unwell” in the Grimsby area following suspected drug-related incidents. On January 24, there were reports of “unresponsive people” being found which was believed to be “linked to the supply of class A drugs”, according to Humberside Police. Ten men aged between 18 and 39 were later arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
Three men were later charged with offences including possession with intent to supply class A drugs. The seven other men were released on bail pending further investigation.
A few days after these incidents, urgent advice was issued by public health officials about “harmful drugs circulating in the Grimsby area”.
Today, North East Lincolnshire Council said there had been “several drug-related incidents” recently in the area, prompting a new alert.
Geoff Barnes, deputy director of public health for northern Lincolnshire, said: “We know that there’s some potentially dangerous drugs circulating in the Grimsby area. These drugs can cause a very sudden overdose which can be life threatening.
“It’s really important to follow the advice issued to protect both yourself and your friends.”
Officials advised that, if someone is found unresponsive and is suspected to have taken drugs, an ambulance should be called as soon as possible. Meanwhile, naloxone should be administered if possible. They added: “The person may need more than usual if synthetic opioids are involved. Use the standard dose and repeat as necessary.”
For those seeking support, the North East Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership is available for advice and help at 76B Cleethorpe Rd, Grimsby, or by telephone at 01472 806890.