Issue 143

Drugs Testing

31st August 2006

Time tested for drugs by sensitive new machine.

Safer Swansea arranged to carry out the tests on a random selection of individuals upon entry to the night club.

"We carry out tests on average once a month, obviously depending on invites from the various premises. The machine is owned by Safer Swansea prtnership, and we use it to work proactively with every pub and club in Swansea. It can test for all different types of drugs." said Gareth Pritchard from Safer Swansea.

The move to test the popular student venue came after alarm bells were raised by a Waterfront investigation into drink spiking in Swansea, and was fully supported by the SU.

"We have a zero tolerance policy, and will be working with Safer Swansea in the future to ensure our students have a safe, good night out," said SU president Becki Mckinlay.

Fears that drink spiking cases are going unrecognised, and that there are many cases a year than previously thought have been raised by nursing experts. "It is easy to think the women have just had too much to drink," said Dave Dawes, of the Royal College of Nursing: "What we need is clear advice on how to recognise cases, when to contact police and what else should be done."

The machine is effective on most drugs but unfortunately cannot test for the date rape drug Rohypnol, as it is naturally produced by the body.

Women's society 52% were also on the door to raise awareness and to hand out 'spikees' -- "They're plastic stoppers that you put in the top of a drinks bottle to prevent anyone putting anything into your drink. They were well received by students, both men and women," said SU women's officer Gemma Loyden.

Sara Turner