TESTS SHOW COCAINE USE IS RIFE ACROSS NORTH DEVON

A North Devon Journal survey has revealed shocking evidence of the
extent of cocaine use across North Devon and Torridge.

Journalists equipped with special swabs went into toilets across the
area to which the public have access. Out of the 58 premises visited
more than half - 33 - tested positive for traces of the class A drug,
cocaine. Positive tests were recorded at pubs, restaurants, cafes,
supermarkets and shops as well as several public lavatories across the
region.

Reporters used the same swabs that are used by police and
customs.

A chemical reaction makes the swabs turn blue in the presence of
cocaine. The high level of positive results came as a surprise to our
testers.

But Des Collins, service manager at the Quay Centre, drug and alcohol
service in North Devon and Torridge, said cocaine use in the area was
certainly more prevalent than it was 10 or 15 years ago.

And he said there were lots of social changes that could be connected
with that in terms of lifestyle and attitudes towards drugs.

He said: "I think the price has dropped as well over that period in
real terms.

"It used to be presented as a drug for playboys - and that has
changed.

"If you think about the changes in recreational drug use from the late
1980s onwards, it is very much associated with the club culture.

"That was probably one of the biggest drivers in the change of
attitude (towards drugs).

"There is now a bigger percentage of people who have used drugs at
some point in their lives than 10 years ago."

However, he felt it was difficult to comment on the Journal's findings
because there were other variables involved.

He said: "It indicates that cocaine is prevalent in North Devon but
without comparable historical data it is hard to say if there is any
change in prevalence.

"You cannot indicate from these findings that the level of serious or
harmful use.