Swabbing for drugs (From Bucks Free Press)

Swabbing for drugs

12:00pm Friday 23rd November 2007 in News By Lucinda Adam

A STATE-OF-THE-ART drug detection kit is to be used for random tests in pubs, bars and clubs across Wycombe in a partnership between police and landlords to improve people's safety on nights out.

The £30,000 machine tests for cocaine, heroin, cannabis, amphetamine, methamphetamine and ecstasy. Called an Ion Track Itemiser, the portable testing kit analyses swabs that have been rubbed over a person's palms.

It was first tried out at Pure nightclub in High Wycombe recently, where 12 clubbers - out of 135 tested - proved positive for cocaine use and were refused entry to the club. Those who tested positive were also searched for drugs, but none were found.

It is the first time such technology has been used in Buckinghamshire.

Sergeant Mike Hamlin said: "The reaction of the people has been very positive and several people were very interested in the machine and how it worked. We did the searches privately in the club's staff room.

"All the businesses that are part of Wycombe Watch have signed up to it. We're there to make sure that people have a good night without fear that other people are under the influence of drugs."

"We’re there to make sure that people have a good night without fear that other people are under the influence of drugs."

Sergeant Mike Hamlin

The tests were carried out with the full co-operation of Matthew Chason, general manager of Pure and the Obsession bar below it.

He said: "As a business we were very happy to be approached by Thames Valley Police to trial the Itemiser to not only be pro-active towards the night time economy within the town centre becoming more positive but also to make a better experience for the customer to know that there is a partnership between Pure and Obsession and the police to make people's experience of the venue better and a safer one."

Further random tests are planned at night spots across the town as most bars are part of the Wycombe Watch scheme to ensure their customers' safety in partnership with the police.