Nine people have died in Renfrewshire the space of just weeks after it's believed they took dangerous street valium.
The deaths have sparked an urgent warning from a local charity amid fears that more could die if action isn't taken, with rumours circulating that the unprescribed pills could be laced with concrete or rat poison.
David Connell, of Paisley charity Street Connect, told Paisley Daily Express: “The street valium is a massive problem just now.
“The problem is that there really is so little valium in them. One of the people we work with had heard that the ones circulating just now had concrete in them. It’s really concerning.”
Several deaths last month have been identified as potentially linked to the dangerous street pills.
Stephen Mclachlan, 37, and Lisa Gilchrist, 38, were found dead in a property in Paisley's Espedair Street on January 10.
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37-year-old man Hiatam Gibali also tragically died in Royal Alexandra Hospital after being found unwell in a nearby flat close in the same street.
Meanwhile, an email seen by Paisley Daily Express from Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) reports that there may actually have been a five further deaths in the area in the past few weeks which could be linked to illicit drugs.
It is not known when the other five deaths took place.
Police Scotland has confirmed that none of the deaths were being treated as suspicious, with enquiries ongoing to establish if drugs were involved.
Detective Superintendent Gerry McBride, Police Scotland, said: “Police Scotland fully supports the messaging provided by Public Health Scotland in respect of these recent deaths and are continuing to support the families of those who have lost their lives in such tragic circumstances.
“Enquiries are ongoing into the causes of death in each of the cases and whether any suspected drug involvement is involved.
“We also ask for the support of the public and community in coming forward with any information in relation to the incidents and that may be of relevance to the investigations.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and the Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) are also asking people who use drugs or know someone who does to be vigilant and aware of overdose risks.
An advisory group has been launched in the community, with health officials saying they must “act now” to prevent more deaths.
A memo sent to all Renfrewshire councillors reads: “Urgent advice is being issued to communities across Renfrewshire as a result of nine tragic deaths in the area in recent weeks that may be linked to illicit drugs.
“Early indications suggest non prescribed street benzodiazepines (e.g. Etizolam, street Valium / diazepam) may have been involved.
“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) have convened a Problem Assessment Group (PAG) made up of experts from health and other services to ensure early action is taken to minimise the risk of further deaths.
“People who use drugs and those who may know someone who uses drugs are being asked to please be particularly vigilant and aware of overdose risks and have been provided with harm reduction advice.”
A warning was also issued to the public which urged drug users to be wary of unidentified tablets that seem stronger than usual.
They are being urged to have someone with them when they take drugs and for a few hours after.
Dr Daniel Carter, consultant in public health medicine at NHSGGC and chair of the problem advisory group, said: “Although the cause of these deaths has not yet been established, it is important that we act now.
“We would like to remind everyone who uses illicit drugs and their friends and families of the measures they can take to minimise the risk of drug deaths or overdoses. Please share this important message, be extremely cautious and follow advice
“Every death from drugs is a tragedy and I send my condolences to anyone who has lost a loved one.”
Paisley's community policing team have also been carrying out regular patrols in the area and engaging with the public and businesses following both incidents.
Reassurances have been given to the public, with community cops handing out Crimestopper leaflets encouraging people to report any concerns they may have.
Inspector Laura Hamill, of Paisley’s community policing team, said: “There has been an increase in police presence in the area over the last few weeks as officers from the community policing team continue to engage with people in the local community as well as business owners.
“We are keen to inform people on how they can report any concerns or criminal activity, in particular the Crimestoppers number which enables people to report crimes anonymously.
“We were pleased with the engagement from people, in particular local businesses, with many agreeing to display Crimestoppers posters with details on how to report a crime in their windows."
