Health officials in illicit drugs alert

Their concerns centre on tablets being sold as diazepam, temazepam and alprazolam (all classed as benzodiazepines) that are said to pose an increased threat of overdose.

The warning issued by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service comes in the wake of a national alert from Public Health England (PHE)

PHE says that the illicit or fake benzodiazepines pose a particular threat when used in conjunction with alcohol and other drugs with a respiratory depressant effect, including opioids.

And it says there is significant toxicology evidence to link the drugs to recent hospitalisations and deaths around the UK.

The tablets in question are marked with “DAN 5620” (on one side) and “10” (on the other), “T-20”, “TEM 20”, “Bensedin” and “MSJ”. Most of the tablets causing concern are blue (but they come in various colours) and these may stain people’s mouths

Tony O’Ceallaigh, Lead Nurse, Substance Misuse with Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We want to ensure that people are aware that these illicit drugs are in general circulation and the serious threat they pose.”

The PHE alert warns that because the strength and ingredients of the tablets varies widely, people cannot be sure what they are taking or how strong the drugs are

The illicit drugs often come in blister packs or pharmacy tubs to make them appear to be genuine medicines, and it is feared that dependent opioid users and teenagers and young adults are most at risk.

People are advised to avoid buying or using tablets sold as benzodiazepines, most often diazepam (often referred to as ‘Valium’), temazepam and alprazolam (often referred to as ‘Xanax’). This includes tablets known as and/or marked with ‘DAN 5620’ (on one side) and ‘10’ (on the other), ‘T-20’, ‘TEM 20’, ‘Bensedin’ and ‘MSJ’, which may contain dangerously potent benzodiazepines, or other dangerous substances not for medical use.

Information for people considering using drugs, including advice on reducing risk, is available from www.talktofrank.com or from the FRANK helpline on 0800 77 66 00.