Cleveland Police warning as Hartlepool adults are taken to hospital after taking sleeping drugs
Police have issued a warning after “several adults” were rushed to hospital after suffering “adverse effects” from the same sleeping drug.
Cleveland Police said: “On the evening of Friday 20 March 2026, Police received reports of several adults from Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool having been taken to hospital for treatment from what is believed to be significant adverse effects following the consumption of a drug called zopiclone.
“This drug should only be taken by those who have been prescribed it by a medical professional and officers are warning members of the public not to take this if offered it and report any information which could be connected to this incident to the police.
“Cleveland Police can be contacted via 101.
“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contact anonymously on 0800 555 111.”