POLICE are warning that illegal prescription drugs being sold in Ceredigion have been laced with opiates, following three overdoses in the area in as many days.

On Friday, Dyfed-Powys Police released a blanket warning to local drug users, following early reports that some illicit drugs in circulation had been contaminated with other substances.

Following further investigation, police now believe that a batch of drugs being sold as Valium has been laced with opiates.

Valium - also known as diazepam - is a benzodiazepine.

Combining opioids and benzodiazepines is particularly dangerous because both types of drug sedate users and suppress breathing.

DS Allan Rees said it appeared the drugs had arrived in the area within the last few days, and are likely to still be in circulation.

"Users are stating that these tablets, which are unusually white in colour, are taking hold quickly and the effects are disturbingly strong," he said.

"We now know that these tablets, which are being sold illegally as Valium, are laced with an opiate because naloxone has been used to revive users, and this only works when opiates are present.

"Mixing drugs, knowingly or unknowingly, can be extremely dangerous for anyone taking them.

“We would appeal to all drug users to seek medical attention immediately should they become unwell.

“Please share this information with anyone that you believe could come into contact with these drugs.”