Pair arrested in drug-deaths probe

Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date online: 23 January 2013

TWO men aged 33 and 34 have been arrested in connection with the distribution of drugs that may have led to two deaths and several hospitalisations.

The pair have been arrested on suspicion of supplying tainted ecstasy tablets that may have killed a man in Oldham and one in Wigan.

Police are investigating whether a batch of the illegal drugs could have led to the deaths of Gareth Ashton (28) who died at Wigan Infirmary on Monday and Jordan Chambers (19) who died at the Royal Oldham Hospital on Sunday. Both men are from Wigan.

Police have also discovered others who have been admitted to hospital suffering similar symptoms.

The contaminated drugs are believed to be coloured, heart–shaped ecstasy tablets.

Detective Chief Inspector Howard Millington of Wigan CID, said: “We are very concerned at how these deaths of two apparently fit young men have occurred. Several other people have been admitted to hospital suffering similar symptoms. It’s possible they are linked.

“Our main concern is there may be contaminated illegal drugs and unchecked, it could result in further deaths.”

Anyone with information can phone police on 0161-856 7149 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.