WARNINGS are being issued about a potentially lethal drug stolen in Kidderminster yesterday that can be absorbed through the skin.

The dental anaesthetic, called Citanest, could be absorbed by someone finding and handling it and police are worried an unsuspecting member of the public, or a child, could come across it.

There is also concern that if it is mistaken for cocaine, which dental anaesthetic is sometimes known as in the drug community, there could be fatal consequences for anyone using it.

A cardboard box containing 100 1.8 millilitre cartridges of anaesthetic was stolen from the front passenger seat of a red Peugeot parked on the Bromsgrove Street car park near the Forest Glades Leisure Centre between 9am and 11am yesterday.

The contents are labelled on the box which measures eight inches by four inches and could therefore have been easily concealed by the thief.

Appealing for information to help recover the drug Inspector Mark Ashford said today: “This drug is extremely dangerous if administered incorrectly which could lead to paralysis or death. It could cause breathing difficulties and collapse of the nervous system.

“It can be absorbed through the skin therefore we are worried that it may have been discarded and found by an unsuspecting member of the public, particularly youngsters who may be tempted to handle it.

“We are also concerned that whoever stole it believes it is cocaine, which dental anaesthetic is sometimes referred to as. If someone who uses illegal substances was to make a ‘crack’ mixture out of it and either inject or inhale it could be lethal.

“This drug really is no use to anyone who takes illegal substances and I would urge anyone who has any information as to where it is to contact the police immediately.

“We would also like anyone who saw any suspicious activity on that car park yesterday to come forward and contact us without delay. Any information that could help us recover this drug could be a potential lifesaver.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact police on 08457 444 888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously and free on 0800 555 111.