FAKE pills cut with a killer drug responsible for hundreds of deaths have been found in Scotland.
Police Scotland says it has seized counterfeit prescription medicines containing synthetic opioid nitazene which is stronger than heroin and fentanyl.
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It has been linked to nearly 300 UK fatalities in just a year.
Data collected by testing scores of recovered tablets reveal the presence of the deadly chemical on the streets of Glasgow, Clydebank and Dumbarton.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are committed to disrupting organised criminality in all its forms, including the supply of drugs in our communities.
“We can’t tackle this alone and we rely on the support of the public to help us build intelligence on any drug-related issues.
“We continue to work in partnership to reduce substance harm as well as explore solutions to help address the significant level of drug deaths in Scotland.”
Nitazenes were found in white and blue pills sold as diazepam.
It is believed the much have first been purchased from dodgy online pharmacies.
Nitazenes contributed to at least 65 deaths in Scotland between June last year and May.
The NHS says those who bought medication online or on the street should have them checked by national drug-checking service WEDINOS.
A spokesman said: “We participated in a national campaign to alert people who use synthetic opiates, and those who work with them, to be aware of potential risks.
“We continue to drive awareness of these drugs and encourage people to carry naloxone to use in an overdose situation.”
