DETECTIVES have seized 65,000 diazepam tablets and arrested 17 people in a huge three-month police crackdown on diazepam abuse.
As well as thousands of pills, police seized £10,000 in cash, sparking a major money-laundering probe.
The investigation is aimed at clamping down on the unlawful supply and sale of diazepam tablets into and throughout the north.
Diazepam is a Class ‘C’ controlled drug which may only be lawfully possessed on prescription.
Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch said: “Over the past three months, we have seized approximately 65,000 such tablets with help from partner agencies and carried out 29 searches within Northern Ireland and in England. We have also seized £10,000 cash and are conducting a linked money laundering investigation.
"Other drugs seized include small quantities of herbal cannabis, cannabis resin, amphetamine and mephedrone as well as pregabalin which is also a prescription-only medicine. 17 people have been arrested; eight were charged and nine are subject to reports being sent to the Public Prosecution Service.
"From our enquiries, it appears some people may be unaware of the legal status of this drug. Diazepam is classed as both a controlled drug and a prescription-only medicine. As such, someone may only be in possession of it by virtue of a lawfully issued prescription from their GP or other medical professional.
"Much of the illegally supplied diazepam has not been produced under laboratory conditions nor subjected to any form of quality control. You simply cannot be sure what you are taking. We are continually working with colleagues in other statutory agencies about this issue. I would encourage anyone with an addiction to these tablets to seek help."
People should take prescription only medicines in consultation with their GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professionals. Medicines obtained through unregulated internet sites may not have been prescribed by a healthcare practitioner, may not have been subject to the normal controls on manufacture and may not be of a suitable quality or be of the nature described.
DI Dunlop added: "I would urge the public not to be tempted by reduced prices or fooled by attractive websites offering medicines without prescription. Taking short cuts and using these medicines could expose you to a dangerous counterfeit or substandard medicine. In addition, you could also be the victim of identity theft or credit card fraud. Illegal possession or supply of diazepam can lead to a criminal conviction
