Basildon: Man admits charges as part of drugs deaths investigation

A man has admitted four drugs-related offences as part of our investigation into the death of two people in Basildon.

That investigation was launched after the deaths, on Tuesday 13 June, were initially linked to drug use.

At this stage, the deaths are being treated as unexpected and under investigation.

As a result of our initial enquiries, officers from our Op Raptor South team quickly identified a drugs line of interest to the investigation.

One man was arrested on Wednesday and questioned.

Ahmed Khelifi, 39, of Gower Chase, Basildon, was charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

He admitted all four charges when he appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Friday 16 June.

He was remanded into custody for sentencing at Basildon Crown Court in the week commencing 10 July.

Detective Superintendent Gary Biddle said:

“First and foremost, we should all remember that two people have sadly lost their lives and my thoughts are very much with their friends and families as they begin to cope with their loss.

“I would again reiterate that, at this stage, this incident is still being treated as isolated but the speed at which officers worked to identify the drug line should not be underestimated. It is a testament to their determination, diligence and professionalism.

“This shows that when people believe they can sell drugs in Essex, we will pursue them and the case against them will be so overwhelming that they will little option but to admit their guilt.”

Friday 16 June

A man has been charged as part of our investigation into the death of two people in Basildon.

That investigation was launched after the deaths, on Tuesday 13 June, were linked to drug use.

As a result of our initial enquiries, we believed the drugs which had been taken contained etonitazene, a synthetic opioid of similar or higher toxicity to fentanyl.

As a result of quick and thorough work, officers from our Op Raptor South team then identified a drugs line of interest.

One man was arrested on Wednesday and questioned.

Ahmed Khelifi, 39, of Gower Chase, Basildon, has now been charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

He is due to appear in Southend Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 16 June.

A second person, a man, has also been arrested as part of this investigation. He remains in custody for questioning.

Detective Superintendent Gary Biddle said:

“I would like to stress that, at this stage, we are treating this as an isolated, tragic incident.
“Our officers have worked incredibly quickly to identify a drugs line of interest in this investigation, make arrests and ultimately secure a charge.
“Our units work incredibly hard to disrupt and dismantle drug networks across Essex and we will always pursue those people who we believe to be causing the highest harm in our communities.”

Tuesday 13 June

Officers investigating two deaths which are believed to be drug-related are issuing safety advice to drug users after identifying a harmful synthetic opioid at the scene.

Today (Tuesday 13 June) a man and a woman, both in their 40s, were sadly found deceased at an address in Basildon.

Our officers identified the presence of etonitazene, a synthetic opioid of similar or higher toxicity to fentanyl, at the scene.

This substance may pose a high risk to users and anyone handling it.

Synthetic opioids are occasionally added to illicit drugs like heroin to enhance the potency, but they substantially increase the risk of respiratory arrest in users.

Our officers are working hard to investigate this incident and, crucially, prevent any further deaths.

'We would advise users to avoid drugs altogether'

Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes said:

"Drugs are illegal for a reason – they are dangerous and can cause real harm to those who use them.
“We would urge people not to take any illegal substances.
“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of this incident and urge anyone with information to contact us.
“We strongly advise all drug users to get support from local drug services, as being in treatment greatly reduces the risks of harm and overdose.”

Open Road, a charity offering specialist drug recovery support services, can be reached Monday to Friday between 9am and 5.30pm on 0844 499 132.

Find a range of helpful organisations via our Referral Services page at essex.police.uk.

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