Man charged over rogue valium pills which left 14 in hospital

A 22-year-old man is due in court tomorrow accused of dealing a rogue batch of Valium suspected to have landed 14 revellers in hospital.

A major investigation was launched after party-goers suffered ‘extreme reactions’ to unprescribed illicit pills at a house in Fort William.

Twelve people, mostly men, were admitted to the town’s Belford Hospital in the early hours of Sunday.

Another two were later admitted to hospital suffering from similar symptoms.

Northern Constabulary and NHS Highland immediately issued a warning to anyone who obtained or had been offered tablets, which were not prescribed to them by a doctor.

A police spokesman said: “A number of people, mostly males aged 19 to 24 have been treated in hospital in Fort William for symptoms which may relate to the ingestion of illicit tablets, the latest person being admitted last night.

“There were 14 people who were suspected to have ingested illicit drugs over the weekend. However, inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact number of people directly affected by tablets.

“Police and medical staff at NHS Highland are warning anyone who has obtained or has been offered tablets which are not prescribed to them by a doctor, not to take them.

“People may have taken either brown or tablets described as blue with letters on one side.

“Symptoms to be aware of include: Unconsciousness, unresponsiveness, feeling of nausea and dizziness.

“Any persons with concerns about symptoms should seek medical advice. If anyone has taken these tablets they should seek urgent medical treatment.

“If anyone is in possession of tablets they are concerned about, they should take them to either Fort William Police or Belford Hospital, or they should telephone NHS 24.”

He added: “A 22-year-old man has reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with allegation of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and is expected to appear at Fort William Sheriff Court on Tuesday”

Meanwhile, police are also investigating the death of a 41-year-old man, who was found in a flat in Fort William in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A spokeswoman said: “There is no information to link the two incidents at the moment.

“A 41-year-old man was found in a flat in Fort William, and a post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death.”