CLUBBERS SCREENED

Forest police have hailed an operation to target drug users and
suppliers in Coleford a resounding success. Officers carried out
Operation Frisk in the town last Friday and used the force's Itemiser
3 drug testing machine to target club goers.

It resulted in four people being searched and a 41-year-old Coleford
man being arrested for possession of cocaine. The man has since been
formally cautioned for the offence.

"We used the drugs screening machine at the Magnums nightclub in
Coleford, with the full co-operation of the nightclub management and
security staff," said Acting Inspector Richard Boyles, who is
responsible for policing the Coleford area.

"Customers were required to undertake the screening test, which shows
whether or not they have been in contact with illegal drugs, as a
condition of entry to the club, starting from 10pm onwards when the
doors opened.

"The operation was a great success and resulted in 73 people being
screened for drug use. It will most definitely be repeated at
unannounced times in the future."

The operation involved uniformed and plain clothed officers operating
in and around the outside of the club.