POLICE chiefs today warned parents to be on their guard after raiders stole a huge batch of potentially deadly drugs.

Nearly 2,000 pills -- including 28 Rohypnol tablets, known as the Date Rape drug -- were taken when the gang forced its way into Timm's Chemist on Coniston Avenue, Little Hulton.

Police are worried the drugs could prove fatal if taken by children. The haul included 280 Tamazapan pills and 420 Nitrazapan and Diazapan tablets.

Thirty Ritalin tablets, used to counter hyperactivity, and 112 morphine-based Sevredol tablets were also taken.

In 1998, Home Secretary Jack Straw tightened up sales of Rohypnol amid concerns its liquid form was being misused to drug women into having sex.

The colourless and odourless liquid, which causes loss of memory and control, was dubbed the Date Rape drug.

Det Chief Insp Ian Foster, of Swinton police, said: "These drugs could prove fatal if taken in quantity and without proper medical advice.

"Anyone offered any of these drugs should be wary and contact the police immediately."

The raiders forced their way into the chemist through a side door. They cut burglar alarm wires and fled with the tablets and cash.

The theft was discovered at 8am yesterday when staff arrived.

Anyone with information can call Swinton police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.