Fears killer batch of drugs on Fife streets

Fake Valium tablets could be to blame for five deaths in four weeks

A spate of deaths in Fife has prompted fears a potentially lethal batch of drugs is circulating on the region’s streets.

Five people have died in the Levenmouth area in the last four weeks, and there are concerns locally that fake Valium tablets could be to blame.

Police investigating the deaths are awaiting the outcome of toxicology tests before confirming any link, but drug users have been urged to be wary about substances doing the rounds.

Local SNP councillor John O’Brien, who lost his son to solvent abuse in 2002, believes firmer action on the region’s drug problem is needed.

“As a councillor for this community I can no longer just sit here and tolerate this while people die a needless death,” he said.

Martin Balmer, who is the project manager for harm reduction service Addaction, said: “We would continue to urge those users out there to get substances checked wherever possible from the services that are provided.”

A spate of drug deaths has rocked a Fife community prompting fears a rogue batch of harmful pills is being sold in the area.

Five people are known to have died in the Levenmouth area in the past four weeks, with many believing fake Valium tablets are to blame.

Police investigating the deaths are remaining tight-lipped as they await the results of toxicology reports to establish whether they are linked.

No details of those who have died have been released but younger people have been involved and concerns are rife more people will die unless urgent action is taken.

Levenmouth SNP councillor John O’Brien said it is time the community stands up to the problem blighting the area. He said: “I’ve been contacted by countless numbers of people and most say the problem of “vallies” (Diazepam) is the cause of such distress and anguish right now.

“As a councillor for this community I can no longer just sit here and tolerate this while people die a needless death.

“Every one of us has a responsibility to educate ourselves, as well as our children, as to the real and serious dangers of what drugs are out there.

“We have to ask ourselves why people are still failing to take heed of the messages regarding these substances.

“Having lost my own son to solvent abuse I know first-hand the heartache and trauma this kind of thing does to families.”

Mr O’Brien said drug problems in the area are being exacerbated by poverty and the impact of Universal Credit.

“Tragically, Levenmouth now has some of the highest levels of poverty anywhere in Scotland with some turning to drug use as a means of escape.

“There is much good work going on nationally but we, as a community, also need to play our part in getting the message out there as to the dangers these substances present.”

Martin Balmer, project manager for Addaction, a specialist harm reduction service based in Leven, said it was worrying to learn younger people were among those who have died.

He said: “Sadly the area suffers a high mortality rate in relation to drugs. However, deaths tend to occur more frequently among older people in their 30s and 40s with a history of drug taking and whose health has diminished over time, so to learn that there are younger victims within those deaths is worrying.

“Death is not usually from one substance but its use among a variety of others that has the devastating effect.

“We would continue to urge those users out there to get substances checked wherever possible from the services that are provided.”

I can no longer just sit here and tolerate this while people die a needless death. COUNCILLOR JOHN O’BRIEN

The scourge of drugs on Scottish society is well documented and the subject of much debate. This weekend the SNP gather in Aberdeen for their conference where drugs policy will again take centre stage.

A resolution to be put to members will call for reform of the “not fit for purpose” 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act and call for further powers to be devolved from Westminster.

An amendment goes further and will call on conference “to allow for the decriminalisation of possession and consumption of controlled drugs so that health services are not prevented from giving treatment to those that need it.” Such a commitment may prove too much for delegates. But the devastation wrought by drugs in our communities demands that every proposal, however radical, has the opportunity to be scrutinised on its merits.

In 2018, more than 1,000 Scots died as a result of the misuse of drugs. In Fife, five recent deaths have been linked to what local addiction services workers believe is a ‘bad’ batch of fake Valium pills currently doing the rounds.

Each drug-related death is a tragedy in its own right and represents a devastating loss of potential.

The wider impact on family and friends often goes unseen but can be carried for a lifetime and lead to further harm.

Many battles have been fought against drugs, but the war has never come close to being won.

It is for government to decide whether it is time for a change in tactics.