Warning over Valium tablets in circulation in Pendle

10:19am Thursday 1st May 2008

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POLICE have issued a safety warning to children after officers uncovered a valium black market in East Lancashire.

They seized 1,500 valium tablets which they said looked like Parma Violet sweets.

Police fear the pills could be mistakenly taken by youngsters in potentially-lethal doses, even though there is no evidence of children being deliberately targeted.

Officers said they suspected the pills were being sold illegally for around £1 per pill.

It is believed the tablets were part of a wider "general circulation", police said.

An investigation has been launched in a bid to trace the original source of the tablets, which are can only be issued by GP's.

No thefts of pills have been reported from chemists or hospitals.

A Colne man has been arrested in connection with the seizure of pills on Tuesday.

Police said they had serious concerns that the uncontrolled circu- lation of valium - a strong sedative prescribed to adults suffering from anxiety - meant they could easily get into children's hands.

Sergeant Matt Henderson said: "There is a market for these among drug users and our biggest concern is that they might end up in the hands of children.

"They can be mistaken for a sweet called the Parma Violet sweet.

"This is a class C controlled drug any anyone in possession of this can be arrested.

"If anyone has been offered these tablets or know anything about them they should get in touch with us.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.