A Chippenham man who was found dead reportedly overdosed on a bad batch of heroin.
Police and paramedics responded to reports of a body in a copse off the B4069 Maud Heath’s Causeway at around 11am on Sunday morning (13 August).
A man, believed to be aged in his late 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been named locally as Nelson Maia.
Tributes from his family, including his daughters, were left at the location – including cards with hearts on and several bouquets of flowers.
One card read: “RIP Nels loved you so much Nelson. Love you forever and always. Devastated you are gone fly high Nels.”
A source close to the family told Wiltshire 999s that it’s believed Nelson died as a result of using a contaminated batch of heroin.
Following his death, Wiltshire Police released a statement warning users about the dangerous batch of the Class A drug – after officers responded to numerous incidents in Chippenham and Devizes in recent days.
A spokesperson wrote: “We are taking the unusual step of warning heroin users to be aware of a particularly dangerous contaminated supply of heroin in circulation.
“This follows a number of incidents over the weekend, in the Devizes and Chippenham area, where we have responded to individuals who have become seriously ill because of an unintentional overdose.
“Whilst we do not condone illegal drug use – we have a duty of care to protect those who may face additional risk because of this particularly dangerous supply.
“If you are a heroin user, or you know someone who is – please exercise extreme caution.”
The force refused to confirm if detectives believe he died from contaminated heroin, but it’s understood that the theory forms part of the ongoing investigation.
In November 2021, 33-year-old Chloe Racey was found unresponsive at Unity House in Chippenham – after she reportedly took a bad batch of heroin.
