SCORES of people have been nabbed in a drugs crackdown following the death of a schoolgirl.

More than 150 people were reported by police for various drugs offences in the six weeks since the death of 17-year-old Regane MacColl.

Regane, from Clydebank, died in the early hours of Sunday February 2 after becoming ill in The Arches nightclub, in Glasgow.

Police believe the tragedy could be linked to red 'Mortal Kombat' tablets, which are being sold as ecstasy.

All the police incidents - including 136 possession cases - allegedly took place in the city centre.

Cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis - and red 'Mortal Kombat' pills - were among the haul seized by officers.

The cases, however, are not directly linked to Ms MacColl's death.

The Evening Times previously reported how 14 men -aged between 21 and 26 - were reported in connection with alleged drug offences during one night.

Chief Inspector Alan Porte warned that criminals producing and selling drugs are risking lives.

He said: "Anyone thinking about bringing drugs into Glasgow city centre should think again.

"As the figures show, Police Scotland are completely dedicated to reducing the availability of illicit drugs.

"We are determined to catch those who possess or peddle such dangerous drugs.

"There are people out there more concerned with making a profit from selling illicit drugs than your health and welfare.

"Please don't let them take risks with your life.

As part of the drive, officers will target known drug dealers, with police increasing their presence in and around city nightclubs.

Police sniffer dogs are also being used to combat the drugs scourge.

Senior officers hope extra, high-visibility patrols will send out a strong message to those involved in drug-dealing in the city.

Earlier this month, we told how a teenage boy was rushed to hospital after taking a suspected 'Mortal Kombat' ecstasy pill.

The 16-year-old was taken to Monklands District General Hospital in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, after becoming ill at a party.

Tests were also carried out on a 17-year-old boy who was at the same house party in Coatbridge.

Chief Inspector Porte added: "If you buy a tablet from an illicit source, you have no idea what that tablet contains.

"No one can be sure what they are taking.

"I cannot stress highly enough that anyone who takes an illicit drug is putting their health - and indeed their life -at risk."

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk