POLICE have made two more arrests as part of an investigation into drug supply lines believed to have contributed to a spate of overdoses in Colchester.

Three people in the city died last week after consuming class A drugs which were believed to be heroin.

Essex Police said on Wednesday it had made two further arrests in relation to three non-fatal overdoses in recent weeks.

The police confirmed the non-fatal and fatal overdoses are both linked to heroin but the most recent arrests are in relation to separate drug lines.

Gazette: Support – Essex Police and the Open Road charity have increased the number of welfare visits to known drug users in ColchesterSupport – Essex Police and the Open Road charity have increased the number of welfare visits to known drug users in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

The arrests were made on Tuesday after police officers executed three search warrants in south east London.

After seizing several items from the address, police officers then stopped a vehicle in Circular Road North in Colchester, where two men from London were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences.

Pharrell Douglas, of Court Farm Road, Bromley, was charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin, possession of cannabis, and acquiring criminal property.

The 19-year-old attended Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and is expected to appear before a crown court at a later date.

An 18-year-old who has not been named by police has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Inspector Mark Jones, who leads the Operation Raptor north team, said: “The action being taken against drug lines operating in Colchester is continuing.

“Since the tragic deaths of three people, we have made five arrests so far, and three people have now been charged.”

He continued by saying police hopes the arrests have provided residents with reassurance.

Gazette: Support – Ellie Harris from Open Road told the Gazette on Monday many heroin users are at risk because of synthetic opioids mixed with the drug Support – Ellie Harris from Open Road told the Gazette on Monday many heroin users are at risk because of synthetic opioids mixed with the drug (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“We have a number of live investigations on-going as a result of the tragic incidents in Colchester.

“As well as those investigations, we have had a strong focus on safeguarding people in Colchester who are known to use Class A drugs.

“These deaths have understandably caused concern among our community.

"But I hope the speed at which these investigations are moving provides some reassurance, coupled with the work we are doing alongside our partners to ensure the safety of vulnerable people.”