Three men have been charged in connection with a probe into “hazardous drugs” circulating in Watford.

Herts Police warned of several people suffering medical episodes locally after taking suspected synthetic opioids under the guise of heroin.

A drugs bust on Wednesday, March 20, saw what is believed to be class A drugs seized and three men arrested.

Forensic work is ongoing to establish the presence of synthetic opioids – classified as Nitazenes – which can cause overdose, cardiac arrest and death.

The men were all charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs before being remanded into custody. They are:

  • Daniel Harlley, 28, of Vicarage Road, Watford
  • Deejay Evans, 21, of Fairlawn Close, Feltham
  • Yannick Lomete, 29, of Pickard Street, London

A man and a woman who were previously arrested remain on police bail.

Detective Inspector Grant Finnie, from the Serious Crime Investigation Unit, said: “We have been working hard to identify the source of what we believe to be a hazardous batch of drugs that has been circulating in Watford.

“I hope the news that we have located a substance and removed it from the streets of Watford provides some reassurance to the local community.”

He urged people who use the drugs to remain cautious as “it is a reality that we are seeing an increase in the use of these synthetic drugs”.

Investigations are ongoing and any information can be reported to police online or via non-emergency number 101.