Police have issued a warning over fake drugs believed to be in circulation in Cornwall.

It is believed that there is a batch of illegitimate drugs in circulation that is being branded as Xanax and could cause adverse reactions to those who take them.

A police spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of a person being admitted to hospital in the Bodmin area recently after taking pills shaped to resemble Xanax.

“When tested, these tablets instead contained a number of ingredients that should not be ingested and led to the person taking the pill suffering an adverse reaction.

“Incidents such as these highlight the dangers of buying non-prescription illegitimate medication from street dealers or the dark web and police enquiries continue into this matter.

“In the meantime we ask that if anyone has purchased what they believe to be Xanax but not through legitimate means, please destroy them; you can also hand them into a police officer for disposal.

"Anyone with any information can also contact the police on 101@dc.police.uk or via Crimestoppers.

“If you need help or advice or help in tackling dependency, please contact Addaction, one of the UK's leading drug, alcohol and mental health charities who have services across Cornwall at www.addaction.org.uk