Potentially deadly drugs in Shetland

POLICE and drug agencies in Shetland are warning that potentially deadly fake ecstasy tablets known as “Rolex” are circulating within the isles.

The green tablets with a crown stamp are thought to contain unknown chemicals and have been linked to seven drug deaths in Scotland in recent weeks.

A further eight youngsters are thought to have died in Northern Ireland since June after taking the pills, along with five in Merseyside and Derbyshire, England.

On Thursday the police said they had received intelligence the drugs were available in Shetland.

Chief inspector Angus MacInnes said: “There have been a number of public warnings issued across Scotland in relation to these pills and I would like to repeat that message here in Shetland, where we know illegal substances are in circulation.

“The exact content of the pills is unknown but they could contain dangerous chemicals and users need to be aware of the dangers and understand the devastating effect they can have.

“Quite simply, illegal drugs are dangerous. I would strongly advise people to avoid any such pills or drugs and report any information to police.”

Public health consultant Susan Laidlaw added: “Taking illegal drugs is extremely dangerous and there is no way to make taking them completely safe.

“This type of tablet, which is green with a Rolex stamp on it, seems to be particularly toxic and should be avoided completely.”

Gill Hession, of Community Alcohol and Drugs Services Shetland (CADSS), said: “Over the past year we’ve seen a number of people who have taken various substances, both illegal drugs and those that are not ‘illegal’ drugs which they assume are safe to take.

“They are not safe to take. You may end up taking something you think is safe, but it isn’t.

“Please do not take these pills, they are not safe and the effects they can have could be devastating.”