A HAUL of 20,000 pills seized from a house in Darwen have been found to be ‘herbal ecstasy’.

Forensic police tested one of the tablets taken from a terrace house in Higher Church Street and found it contained the chemicals Benzylpiperazine (BZP) and Trifl-uoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP).

The two chemicals are currently legal and frequently used together for ecstasy-like effects, police said. They are known as ‘herbal ecstasy’.

The pills were found during a raid by a team of officers from across Darwen, who estimate the haul to be worth up to £200,000.

BZP, also known as Benny Bear, Frenzy, Nemesis and Hummer, will be outlawed by the Home Office at the end of the year after being linked to several deaths.

Legislation on TFMPP is being reviewed.

Drugs experts in Lancashire say these type of drugs were relatively new to the market and the long-term effects were as yet unknown.

Chris Hudson at drugs service Frank, said: “Just because they are legal to possess doesn’t mean they are safe. Legal highs can contain a range of potentially dangerous chemicals, and their chemical make-up changes all the time. So you can never be 100 per cent certain what you have bought, and what the effects might be.

“The chemicals in legal highs have, in most cases, never before been used as drugs, so have had no tests performed on them to show that they are safe.

“Legal highs can carry serious health risks and early studies suggest that you can become dependent. It is very similar to amphetamine use.”

‘Legal high’ pills sell for between £5 and £10 online and in shops.

BZP is also used to make plastics, resins, pesticides, brake fluid and a variety of materials and products. It can also be found in worming agents for pets and farm animals.

l A 33-year-old woman has been bailed by Lancashire police pending further inquiries in connection with the inquiry.