Camden Council has described bogus posters around the borough calling the area a 'crack and heroin zone' as "definitely fake".

The fake posters, which feature both Camden Council and Metropolitan Police logos, claim that “the sale and use of crack and heroin is permitted in this area”.

One eyewitness said he had seen one in Camden High Street, next to the NatWest in Camden Town.

Ham & High: A poster posing to be from Camden Council, however promoting an event focusing on addictionA poster posing to be from Camden Council, however promoting an event focusing on addiction (Image: UGC)

Other images seen with different backdrops suggest that others have been posted around the area.

However a QR code at the bottom of the poster appears to lead interested pedestrians to a page promoting ‘Pattern Up’, described as a youth movement group raising awareness on “issues facing our society”.

The group explained it is a Brighton-based collective of artists who "raise awareness of the widespread criminal exploitation of local children and vulnerable youth".

Its page also links to an event called ‘Ad-iction’ which is set to take place at Camden Open Air Gallery on August 11 from 7pm.

The website reads: “Ad-iction focuses on the problem society is facing in regard to drugs and consumption.

“Through the use of signage, branding, events and guerrilla marketing, we want to start a conversation.”

But the false council branding has outraged some passers by, who asked whether the council was involved in posters that appear to promote illegal drugs.

One person tweeted: “What’s with this @CamdenCouncil and @Metpoliceuk? Have you just given up tackling the biggest cause of crime and homelessness in our borough?”

With others also questioning whether it was a genuine council notice, Camden’s social media team replied to a few posts.

In one tweet, Camden Council wrote: “In case of any doubt, these are definitely fake.”

The council also said in another tweet that they hope to find the locations of the posters and “remove” them.

Pattern Up told the Ham&High: "The crack and heroin notices depict the lack of community effort in preventing the exploitation and destruction of young lives through the supply and use of Class A and B drugs in the city."

Camden Council has been approached for comment.