Police in Neath Port Talbot have held an operation to tackle the circulation and supply of Valium tablets in the area.
A number of people have been taken to hospital suffering from a number of adverse side effects after taking them.
Police have also arrested people who have committed crimes but have been unfit to be questioned for several hours until the effect of the drugs has worn off.
On Friday, officers executed search warrants at a number of addresses in the Sandfields area of Port Talbot, resulting in four people being arrested. A quantity of Valium tablets and other drugs were recovered during the operation.
Detective Inspector Dave Wright of the Neath Port Talbot Police Pro-Active Team said: “We are concerned about the impact this Valium is having on the behaviour of individuals, especially youngsters in the Sandfields area where the problem seems to be more prevalent.
“Our intelligence suggests the supply of Valium is plentiful at the moment and our work will be concentrating on targeting those who are supplying the tablets.
“We are aware that the suppliers have been targeting school children and because the origin and make-up of the Valium is not known, those who are taking it are putting themselves at risk of serious ill health or even death.
“We are seeing people, especially youngsters, coming into custody displaying serious side effects and requiring hospital treatment. After taking these tablets the young people cannot remember where they have been or what they have done from one day to the next.
“I would ask parents to look out for any unusual or incoherent behaviour and to contact the police should they have any concerns.
“The police are working with partners to spread the message that these tablets are a serious health risk. I would urge anyone offered or in possession of a suspected blue Valium tablet not to take it, but destroy it or hand it into the police.
“I would ask members of the community if they have information regarding who is supplying these tablets to contact the police.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Neath Port Talbot Police on 01792 456999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
