Thousands of packs of potentially lethal Valium have been stolen from a pharmaceutical company.

Police have charged a 28-year-old Stevenage man with theft after nearly 4,000 packs of prescription tranquiliser Diazepam were stolen from a Stevenage drugs company between February 2 and 4.

The suspect is due to appear at St Albans Magistrates Court on February 16 but the drugs are still missing.

Diazepam can cause a number of potentially serious problems, including severe drowsiness and difficulty breathing. This risk is increased when the drug is combined with alcohol, narcotics, or other medications or substances that cause drowsiness and sedation.

Stevenage Detective Sergeant Gez Ellis, said the drugs could kill if misused.

“Diazepam should only be used by people who have had it prescribed to them by a medical practitioner. It can prove highly addictive and can cause fatalities if taken incorrectly.

“We are concerned that a large number of these tablets have gone missing and would ask anyone who might be offered these drugs or who has any information about their whereabouts to get in touch by calling 0845 33 00 222, quoting crime reference E1/11/1141.

“You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.”