Police seize haul of drugs linked to deaths

Police in Ipswich have seized a significant quantity of drugs believed to be the dangerous ecstasy pills linked to recent deaths in the town.

More than 400 pills were seized yesterday evening (Sunday), having been located hidden in a public place near Norwich Road, Ipswich.

The pills match the description of those thought to be involved in the deaths of two young men in Ipswich on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day and will now be forensically examined as part of the ongoing criminal investigation.

Chief Superintendent Jon Brighton said: “This seizure is a significant development in our investigation into the supply of dangerous drugs which are believed to be linked to the tragic deaths of two young men in Ipswich.

“If these prove to be the same as those linked to these cases, we will have gone a significant way towards reducing the risk of further serious injury or deaths linked to this particular ecstasy pill.

“We do not know, however, how many are still in circulation, so I continue to urge anyone in possession of these drugs, which are red/pink in colour, triangular-shaped and embossed with a Superman logo, to hand them in to police or partner agencies.”

Police are linking the two deaths – a 22-year-old man in Bramford Lane on Christmas Eve and a 24-year-old man in Provan Court on New Year’s Day – to the drug and are investigating links to a third death, that of a 20-year-old man in Chestnut Close, Rendlesham, also on January 1.

A second man found in a serious condition at the Provan Court address was taken to hospital where he is making a recovery. A man has been charged and two men have been bailed following arrests made as part of the investigation.

Nineteen-year-old Adrian Lubecki, of St Matthews Street, Ipswich, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs (ecstasy) and possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

He was due to appear at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court today (Monday).

A 20-year-old man and a 26-year-old man from Ipswich, arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs, have been released on police bail pending further investigation.

Both are due to return to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre on Wednesday, February 18.

Officers are also looking at potential links to similar deaths elsewhere in the country including in the West Mercia area. The deaths have been referred to the Suffolk Coroner and inquests will open in due course.

Anyone in possession of the drug is asked to surrender it to police, in person or by calling 101.

If you have information about the supply of this, or other illegal drug, call Suffolk Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.