Police warning after diazepam tablets stolen in Belfast

By Deborah McAleese

A large quantity of Diazepam tablets have been stolen during a burglary at commercial premises in Belfast.

Police have issued a warning to the public not to buy medication from an illicit source.

The PSNI said the drugs were taken from premises in the Prince Regent Road area of the city in the early hours of Monday morning.

Officers believe a small quantity of Diazepam tablets found in the nearby Orby Close area may be linked to the burglary.

Detective Sergeant Michael Hawthorne urged the public to be vigilant and "to ensure that they do not put their health at risk by purchasing medication from an illicit source".

He added: "People should only take medicines in consultation with their healthcare professionals who have access to patient health records, who are qualified to assess their medical needs and can take into account the risks and benefits associated with every medicine.

"I would also ask the public if they are offered any medicines from an unregulated source to report it to the police on the non-emergency number 101. Information can also be passed to the Health Department's Medicines Regulatory Group (on) 028 9052 2094."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious between 1.15am and 2am on Monday in the Prince Regent Road area of east Belfast is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 88 of 17 July 2017.