DRUGS workers say that a killer batch of dodgy pills has claimed two lives in Inverclyde in the space of a week.

Addiction support charity Teen Challenge say so called ‘street Valium’ has caused two fatalities and hospitalised other people.

The local branch and NHS officials have issued an urgent warning about the pills.

Health chiefs today told the Telegraph that there is a large amount of fake Valium in currently in circulation and doctors have attributed it to a number of overdoses.

The drug, also known as diazepam, is a powerful sedative used to relieve anxiety and sleep disorders and is also used to help treat drug addicts.

But a counterfeit batch – which looks identical to the real thing – has made its way onto the streets of Inverclyde.

Charity volunteers say this has had tragic consequences.

A spokesperson for Teen Challenge said: “We have been experiencing an increase in the rising number of fatalities caused by using these street Valium.

"Although they are packaged with the diazepam logo they are not real and are extremely dangerous. 

“Toxicology reports have concluded that there is zero per cent diazepam in these tablets and they are not fit for human consumption. There have been two deaths this week alone in Inverclyde and many more needing hospital treatment.

“These tablets usually come in a blue/yellow and white colour, they are coloured with food dye and sweetener to replicate the colour and taste of genuine ones.

“People who use these can often be found with a coloured residue on their lips.

“If you see anyone with these signs or symptoms seek medical attention immediately.”

Symptoms include slurred speech, loss of identity, hallucinations, muscle spasms, disorientation, uncontrollable balance and aggression. The tranquiliser is usually prescribed by a doctor but health bosses say cheap versions are being manufactured abroad and being sold on the streets and they have warned people about the dangers of the drug.

A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “A lot of diazepam circulating on the streets just now is counterfeit.

“Street diazepam is produced cheaply in other countries and made to look like pharmaceutical diazepam tablets.

“These counterfeit drugs are very unpredictable with the contents and dose unknown; people will be unable to predict the overall effect. The best way to stay safe is not to take these drugs at all. However, if people do and they experience adverse affects, they should seek medical attention immediately.”

Police Scotland’s Inverclyde area commander Elliot Brown said: “In Inverclyde Police Scotland are working with various services to educate people of all ages about the dangers that drugs pose.

“The development of new psychoactive substances brings with it the same dangers, as those often referred to as legal highs. Legal does not mean safe.

“We remain committed to getting drugs off of the streets and keeping people safe.

“If anyone has information about the sale of illegal drugs please contact Police Scotland either via 101, in person with one of our Neighbourhood Officers or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.”