Following the deaths of three people in Plymouth, public health officials in the City have issued a warning about blue tablets being sold illegally as Valium.
These pills may come in blister packs with Arabic writing and are believed to be linked to the tragic deaths.
The Police are still investigating but have said that, at this time, the deaths are believed to be drug related and they are working with their partner agencies to establish the full circumstances.
The Public Health team have offered the following advice to anyone who is concerned:
What to do if someone becomes unwell
If someone has taken drugs and becomes unwell, call 999 straight away or take them to Derriford Hospital’s Emergency Department. Don’t wait—doctors and nurses are there to help, not to judge.
If the person is unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery position. This helps keep their airway clear. You can find more advice on the FRANK website.
Reducing the risk
The safest option is not to take these pills at all. But if you do choose to use drugs:
- Don’t use alone. Being with someone else could save your life.
- Take a small amount first and wait to see how it affects you.
- Don’t all take drugs at the same time—stagger your use so someone is always alert.
- If you’re using alone, tell someone your plans or use the BuddyUp app by Cranstoun so someone can check on you.
Carry naloxone if you can. It’s a medicine that can reverse opioid overdoses, and it won’t harm someone even if they haven’t taken opioids. Having naloxone nearby could save a life. In some cases, more than one dose is needed, so carrying extra is a good idea. You can get naloxone for free in Plymouth from:
- Harbour, Hyde Park House, Mutley
- Hamoaze House, Mount Wise
- North Road West Medical Centre
- Adelaide Street GP Surgery
- St Levan GP Surgery
Want to learn more or get support?
NAP Plymouth runs free monthly training on drugs and naloxone for anyone supporting people who use drugs. Find them on Facebook at NAP Plymouth 66 or email [email protected]
If you’re looking for help with your own drug use, contact Harbour on 01752 434343 or visit harbour.org.uk.
Hamoaze House offers support for anyone affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use. Their Affected Others group meets every Friday from 1–3pm. Call 01752 566100 to get in touch.
Anyone with information about these pills are asked to contact police through their website, or call 101 quoting reference 50250144278.