A warning has been issued about the dangers of buying prescription drugs online.
Cumbria police said medication normally prescribed by a qualified health professional should never be bought online without a consultation.
Prescription drugs falling into the bracket of benzodiazepines, which are known as benzos and include diazepam – sometimes referred to as Valium – and other prescription medication such as pregabalin, are suspected to have been a factor in reports such as overdoses and adverse effects in recent months.
Benzodiazepines are a group of sedative drugs that can be prescribed by suitably qualified health professionals, such as a GP, following a consultation undertaken with due care.
Some prescription drugs, such as pregabalin, are prescribed to treat anxiety, nerve pain and other health conditions.
Some people may not take their prescribed benzodiazepines as directed or may give or sell this medication to others.
These activities are very dangerous and can lead to people dying from unintentional overdoses, police said.
There is also a serious issue of people obtaining drugs, like pregabalin, on the internet. People using them can be at a high risk of unintentional overdose.
Buying drugs illegally also means there are no guarantees what these may actually contain.
This issue is being covered under Cumbria Constabulary’s ongoing Operation Level, the force said.
Detective Inspector David Howard said: “Buying anything online without knowing the source or seller is dangerous and risky – you don’t know what you will get.
“Certainly, pills and medication normally prescribed by a suitably qualified health professionals such as a GP should never be bought online without a properly conducted consultation.
“Fake and dangerous pills are sold online without any regulations or care for the end user.
“Pills and medications such as this should be prescribed by a suitably qualified health professionals, such as a GP.
“If you suffer any adverse reaction from taking a drug bought online, seek medical help straight away.
“There is also help and support out there for people affected by drug use.
“We need our communities to tell us about prescription drug supply in your area and would encourage anyone who suspects any illegal activity to report to us so that we can investigate.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information about such sales of prescription drugs to come forward with information.
Anyone with information about drugs supply is asked to contact police on 101 or report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it
Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
