SWABBING FOR DRUGS

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 UKP30,000 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."

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.