MOBILE DRUGS TESTS TRIALED IN SCOTLAND

Grampian Police Takes On The Fight Against With New Device

Lothian and Borders police have confirmed their hope to introduce
the hand-held machine across Scotland after a successful pilot in Aberdeen.

Known as the "itemiser," the device allows door staff or police
officers to swab, as a condition of entry, a person's hand for
traces of drugs when entering a licensed premise. A portable machine
then detects traces of illegal substances, including
cannabis, ecstasy and heroin in seconds.

Licensed premises have taken part on a voluntary basis and,
following a trial period carried out in October 2008, police in the
North East of Scotland have received positive feedback.

Chief Inspector Innes Walker of Grampian police said that pub and
club owners had broadly welcomed the introduction of the itemiser:
"The device provides reassurance to regular pub and club goers,
while deterring unwanted drug dealers and consumers.

"A trial project was initiated in October and the initial reaction
from the public, the licensed trade as well as local police officers
was extremely positive. People had a greater confidence that they
could enjoy a night out without fear of encountering drugs."

Detective Superintendent Willie MacColl, National Drugs Co-ordinator
for the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency, confirmed that
the device could soon be used in Edinburgh: "We hope that over time
the model can be developed and used by community partnerships in
other towns and cities across Scotland to reduce the harm caused by
drugs," he said.

The scheme has also been trialled in South Lanarkshire and Tayside.

The decision on whether to introduce the itemiser in Edinburgh's
bars and nightclubs will be made by Lothian and Borders police in due course.