HEALTH professionals in North Ayrshire have issued a warning after reports that nine people died last month after taking a deadly drug being sold as Valium.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran were unable to confirm that the deaths, which occurred within the space of just two weeks, were caused by the lethal pill.

A national newspaper this week reported a spate of deaths in the Saltcoats area.

Iona Colvin, Director at North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “There have been recent reports that a drug referred to as ‘street valium’ may be in circulation in Ayrshire.

“Taking drugs and medicines which are not prescribed by a clinician can have a devastating impact on a person’s health.

“North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership would always advise people to refrain from taking any drug or medicine not specifically prescribed to them by a clinician. People can get help and advice from their family doctor (GP) or their local addiction service if they are concerned about drugs misuse.

“The local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships across Ayrshire and Arran are working hard to reduce the number of drug-related deaths and this is a key priority as part of their new alcohol and drug strategies.

“North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership is fully committed to working with all our partners to ensure that North Ayrshire continues to be a safe place to live and work.”

Chief Superintendent Barry McEwan said: “Drug trends continually evolve as criminal networks attempt to maximise their profits. Together with our national and local partners we are working to highlight potential risks and where necessary, work to support those impacted by the harms caused by benzodiazepines.

“Benzodiazepine abuse is a significant problem in Scotland and the risk of having a negative reaction to these type of drugs is amplified when they are taken with alcohol or other drugs. When a drug user purchases ‘street Valium’ illegally, there is no quality control and they have no way of knowing what is in the pills. Our message is quite clear. There is no safe way to take these pills.”