Toxic singer Britney Spears has fallen in with a sketchy crowd since her 13-year legal conservatorship ended in late 2021 – and now the troubled hitmaker's terrified loved ones are desperate to snatch her from the jaws of potential danger, Breaking Celebrity News can reveal.

An insider confided: "The crew Britney is surrounding herself with right now is incredibly shady. A lot of these guys have criminal histories. Apparently, there are known drug dealers in the mix and other types that want to make a buck off her. These are exactly the type of characters her family always feared would take advantage of her and drag her back to rock bottom."

Spears, 44, was recently arrested in Ventura County, Calif., on suspicion of DUI – and sources said law enforcement is investigating an unknown substance found in her vehicle.

"This could become much bigger than a DUI," one source familiar with the situation said.

The songbird was released from custody within hours and is due back in court on May 4.

Speaking of the blond beauty's new buddies, the insider added: "Unfortunately, she's become very dependent on these creeps, and they've been living off her generosity, with huge amounts of money being spent keeping them around.