SPECIALIST officers at Greenock Police Station are on standby over the risk of potentially lethal tablets hitting our streets.

An urgent warning has been issued over diazepam tables being mixed with another substance called Fentanyl with deadly consequences.

Sergeant Allan O'Hare says officers in Inverclyde are closely monitoring the situation, with all local recoveries of diazepam being tested for the presence of Fentanyl.

Sgt O'Hare said: "Previously classed as a psychoactive substance, street diazepam, most commonly Etizolam, is now classed as a controlled drug and it is unlawful to have in your possession.

"Fortunately we've not had any seizures of tablets containing Fentanyl in Inverclyde however that’s not to say they won't make their way here."

Sgt O'Hare says people are playing 'Russian roulette' by taking street diazepam.

He said: "Users just don't know what they are taking or what the effects could be, which makes them highly dangerous.

"There has been an increase across the country of deaths related to their use.

"Street valium can cause significant harm in our communities and there is a direct link between their use and violence, both of which are local priorities and we are working hard to tackle them on a daily basis."

Sergeant O'Hare says street diazepam is a major problem locally, with the tablets available for as little as 25p.

He said: "We are dealing with street Valium on a regular basis.

"The danger with these is that no-one knows what is in them - they are not prescribed from the doctor.

"It's like Russian roulette if you take them."

Sergeant O'Hare said the particular tablets containing Fentanyl are extremely dangerous.

He said: "It has the potential to kill people and it's a risk to those who even come into contact with it as it can be absorbed in the skin.

"So it's highly dangerous.

"All seizures of drugs are sent away for tests to the lab so we would know if any had come into the area.

"We're monitoring it."

Sergeant O'Hare sent a stark warning to drug dealers operating in the district.

He said: "We will always take action against those who are alleged to be involved in the manufacturing or supply of any controlled drug or substance in the local area and I would ask anyone with information to contact us on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."