A man has been sentenced to four years and two months in prison after police found heroin mixed with a deadly synthetic opioid in a kitchen.

On 13 June, officers executed a warrant at a property on Old Millstones, Preston, where they believed 32-year-old Dane Crawford was hiding. During the search, they discovered several bags of Class A drugs—some individually wrapped, others laid out on kitchen worktops—alongside scales, mobile phones, and packaging materials.

Forensic analysis revealed that the heroin seized was contaminated with etonitazene, a powerful benzimidazole opioid. This synthetic substance is extremely dangerous because it can dramatically increase the potency of street drugs, and users may not realise how strong their dose is.

Crawford later pleaded guilty to possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply at Preston Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Greg Bashall from Preston CID issued a strong warning: the supply of Class A drugs not only causes crime and exploitation but also poses severe health risks—including death—for users who ingest unexpectedly powerful substances.