Torches to detect cocaine-users queuing for clubs
DRINKERS in pubs and clubs will have a torch shined on them to detect traces of cocaine in the latest police move to stamp out drugs.
Police in North Staffordshire are to trial five of the devices, which could be used to prevent drug users from entering Newcastle's clubs and bars.
-
Cocaine and amphetamine residue around a user's nose and mouth will glow green under the torches' ultraviolet light, indicating to officers that they have recently taken drugs.
Police say cocaine use can make people violent and aggressive, and so officers hope the torches will help make the town centre a safer place.
The small hand-held devices, which are completely harmless, are already being used by police and door staff in Blackburn and Cumbria.
Inspector Martin Steventon, of the North Staffs Division, pictured, said: "I've spoken to the bobbies in Blackburn and it seems that everybody is quite pleased with how it's gone, both the police and the community.
"The torches will be used on our on-going night-time operations in Newcastle town centre. We certainly won't be just issuing them randomly to officers.
"They may be used outside premises as a condition of entry, but that is something we will have to agree with the premises.
"They won't be used as a prelude to arrest.
"The torches will help officers identify those who have been in possession of drugs, but they will also look at how that person is behaving. The officers may go on to conduct a search. The worst thing that happens could be that they're denied entry to the premises.
"They're another tool in the officers' arsenal."
Inspector Steventon said the torches would not only be used against users, but could also be a useful weapon in the fight against dealers.
They may also prove useful during house searches, detecting the presence of cocaine traces.
Officers will begin using the torches in Newcastle town centre within the next few weeks.
If the trial is successful the devices could be rolled out across Stoke-on-Trent.
Dan Maddox, chairman of Newcastle Pubwatch and licensee at Ikon Cafe Bar, said: "Drug use is something licensees have to contend with on a regular basis, and so any help the police can give us will be welcome.
"I think there are areas in the country where drugs are a bigger problem, but there are one or two venues in Newcastle where drug use does take place.
"It's good to see the police take a combative stance on this issue."
Related content:
31 Comments
View all
by Diane, Newcastle, Staffs
Sunday, June 28 2009, 10:57AM
“A good idea I'm fed up to the back teeth of idiots high on coke who spoil nights out for the rest of us. The only people who could possibly have a problem with this are those very idiots or the people that sell them the drugs. Shine your torch in my face anytime, looking a forward a bit more to a safer night out. x”
by Martin Steventon, North Staffordshire
Friday, June 26 2009, 4:25PM
“Thank you Jason, none taken and to be fair I'm past my prime.”
by Jason, Newcastle
Friday, June 26 2009, 11:52AM
“I am very sorry if my comment caused any offence it was meant in jest and tongue in cheek.
I dont know of anyone that looks good with a torch shining from below their chin.”
by Inspector Martin Steventon, North Staffs
Friday, June 26 2009, 11:06AM
“Some interesting comments ¿ Just for the record I have spent all my 22 years as a frontline operational officer and have more experience than most when it comes to effects that some drug use has on our communities. Those that advocate the use of drugs, such as cocaine as a personal choice I see as selfish in the extreme. Drugs don¿t just affect the user.
Just to clarify, these torches will not be used randomly they will be used if agreed on condition of entry to town centre venues. If drugs are detected a search may well be justified. If that search reveals drugs then of course an arrest might follow. In the event of a positive scan where no drugs are found after search door staff can still refuse entry.
Greater Manchester Police recently tested 1000 people arrested for violent offences ¿ 86% of them tested positive for cocaine use. If we are to continue our efforts to make town centres and communities safer we have to explore ways of deterring people from taking drugs that affect their behaviour. The vast majority of visitors to our town centre act responsibly and enjoy their night. The police, supported by the Safer Nights Partnership will deal robustly with those that spoil it for everyone else.”
by Andy, Sandbach
Thursday, June 25 2009, 10:47PM
“Labyrinth, your argument is unravelling, the more you type.
On one hand you argue that drugs are harmless and ought to be decriminalised. Yet, when asked if you would be happy if your children took drugs, you said that you would question why?!
Is this a case of "its ok as long as its not in my back yard"?”
by EcoMan, Rainforest
Thursday, June 25 2009, 10:04PM
“Jason, Newcastle. I understand and respect your reasoned comments. Unfortunately I have a reservation with drug use and that is, in your own words, "as long as it doesn't effect others."
If drug use begins to affect others as with Kelly below, how can the user who may be addicted, withdraw to save relationships?”
by Jason, Newcastle
Thursday, June 25 2009, 9:11PM
“Labyrinth you're right it is a matter of choice and as long as it doesn't effect others through commiting crime what is the problem.
Some people need an escapism from depression low times that prescribed drugs do not provide and even if they do there is too much of a stigma attached to getting the prescription.”
by EcoMan, Rainforest
Thursday, June 25 2009, 8:21PM
“Labyrinth, stoke. You said, "Something that may repair the emptiness you may one day feel from a loved ones departure or worse."
That sounds like depression, a mental illness caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Street drugs, which can further upset the balance of these neurotransmitters, offer no remedy. It's a very dangerous game.”
by Alan, Staffs
Thursday, June 25 2009, 7:54PM
“Something of a contradiction in your last comment Labyrinth. Quote, " Everyone has the right in my head to make their own decisions " If choosing drugs has an affect on their lives and others in their lives, and possibly leads to a life of crime ! . Does that still make it right ??.”
by Labyrinth, stoke
Thursday, June 25 2009, 7:26PM
“The truth is most people dont actually mind drugs as long as they have no effect on them or their lives. The extreme prices caused by the addiction causes the raise in crime as the need is strong to feed from the drug that has changed them as a person following an original desire to escape from the reality of life that has let many users down so badly. Whether its heroin, coke, drink or cannabis. Should a child of mine fall into this helter skelter then I would ask the questions why.
Throughout history people have experimented, if they had not we would not be where we are today.
What would you do if someone tried to stop you trying something that may repair the emptiness you may one day feel from a loved ones departure or worse.
Everyone has the right in my head to make their own descissions Andy.”