DRUGS THEFT

LETHAL drugs were stolen in a series of raids targeting vet surgeries, sparking an urgent warning from police.

Ketamine and methadone products designed for animals were taken as a gang hit three practices in three hours.

Police are taking the issue so seriously that officers have informed a Government safety agency.

The gang first struck at 8.56pm on Thursday night, hitting a veterinary surgery on Chester Road in Hartford at 8.56pm. No drugs were taken, but a car was stolen.

By 10.32pm the gang was in Widnes, where police said two or three people broke into a branch on Ditchfield Road. Drugs were stolen before the thieves fled in a getaway vehicle.

At 11.38pm a third surgery was broken into – this time in Victoria Road in Runcorn, though nothing was taken on that occasion.

Cheshire Police has since issued a public appeal alongside a warning for drug users who are offered the substances stolen in the Widnes raid.

Inspector Rob Balfour said: “Public Health England [the organisation recently replaced by the UK Health Security Agency and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities] have been informed.

“The drugs that were taken from the surgery are designed for the use in animals and are fatal if taken, so I’d strongly advise that if you are offered dolethal, or a ketamine called anesketin, or methadone called comfortan – do not take it.

“These particular drugs are incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands and you will be putting yourself at considerable risk.

“We’d advise not taking any illegal drugs, but we understand some will, which is why we are taking this opportunity to warn the public.”

● Contact police on 101.