Big rise in prescription drugs for sale illegally

There has been an alarming rise in the volume of prescription drugs, including date rape pills, being seized from illegal street traders.

Figures released by the Department of Health show the number of drugs seized rose from just 1,160 in 2006 to 1.3 million last year — with sedatives including valium and xanax — used for the treatment of anxiety — making up the majority of pills taken out of circulation.

Sleeping and slimming pills, as well as erectile dysfunction medicines, are also widely available on the black market.