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Revellers swabbed for drug abuse

By KomodoMK, Dec 13, 2008 | 9 Comments | 1.5K Views | Justice & Law
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  1. KomodoMK
    Revellers swabbed for drug abuse

    A device which can be used to detect traces of illegal drugs on people's hands has been used in Tayside for the first time.

    Officers used the £25,000 Itemiser on revellers going into pubs and clubs in Arbroath on Friday and Saturday night.

    People are not legally required to provide a hand swab but many do so voluntarily.

    The work was carried out by a special task force dedicated to tackling crime in Arbroath.

    Sgt Carol Brown of the task force said: ''The Itemiser is an excellent piece of technology that allows us to check whether or not a person has been in possession of illegal drugs - including cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine, amphetamine - with a simple swab of their fingertips.

    "We were grateful for the co-operation of the licensees involved this weekend who share our determination in deterring drug dealing and drug misuse from their premises.

    "Spot checks such as these offer reassurance to patrons and a confidence that illegal drugs will not be tolerated by the police or our partners in the night-time economy.''

    Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7780548.stm

    # BBC News
    # December 12, 2008

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  1. thebige
    The real reason you were taught to wash your hands after going to the bathroom.........
    thebige, Dec 13, 2008
  2. KomodoMK
    Apparently chemicals can still be detected even after a few thorough washes. Not sure how true that is though.
    KomodoMK, Dec 13, 2008
  3. Sven99
    What a load of rubbish.

    "It isn't compulsory" means that the Police will tell people to do it and the people wont realise that it isn't compulsory, or that it will be a condition of entry.

    Since drug traces get EVERYWHERE this couldn't be used as evidence anyway, and probably wouldn't even be grounds for arrest - its just a PR stunt to intimidate drug users and be seen to be 'tough on drugs'

    The observer poll posted elsewhere on this forum said that 26% of adults, and 45% of young adults in the uk have used drug, with just under half of these still taking drugs at least occasionally. What bar can afford to drive away 13% or more of its customers by allowing the police to do these tests?
    Sven99, Dec 13, 2008
  4. KomodoMK
    On it's own the evidence is circumstantial you are correct. However, if the test proves positive it gives the police grounds to search your person and if they find anything you will be arrested and dealt with. Whilst it is only voluntary at the moment (which you can be almost certain they won't tell you this) it is probably likely to become mandatory in the future.
    KomodoMK, Dec 13, 2008
  5. Rightnow289
    I thought the weren't after users? It is pathetic. They should be going after real criminals instead of wasting time spoiling peoples fun
    Rightnow289, Dec 13, 2008
  6. Balzafire
    Drug scanner checks Aberdeen pub-goers' hands


    [imgl=white]http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=20438&stc=1&d=1306691404[/imgl]A device to detect traces of drugs on people's hands has been used on pub-goers by police in Aberdeen.

    Grampian Police officers started using the portable drug detection device, known as the "itemiser", at licensed premises in the city on Friday night.

    It allows police officers or door staff to check whether illegal drugs are present by testing a person's hand.

    Businesses in Sheddocksley, Northfield and Bridge of Don volunteered to take part in the scheme.

    It is part of Operation Maple, the force's crackdown on drugs, violence and anti-social behaviour.

    The machine can detect a range of illegal substances including cocaine, cannabis, heroin and ecstasy.
    'Realistic approach'

    Insp Moray Watt said: "Police officers, working closely with door staff at the premises, will select people for checking as a condition of entry.

    "Those who test positive will be refused entry by door staff and potentially searched by police officers for any drugs they have on their person."

    He commended the owners of the pubs taking part in the operation for "taking such a responsible and realistic approach that acknowledges the possibility that controlled drugs may enter their premises".

    Derek Reilly, who runs the Buckie Farm and is chairman of Bridge of Don Pubwatch, said: "We want our businesses to thrive, but we don't want trouble in our pubs and we don't want drugs either.

    "Our hope is, whether traces of drugs are found or not, that our pubs won't be seen as a soft touch and that the anti-drugs message spreads across the community."


    BBC NEWS
    28 May 2011
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-13585201
    Balzafire, May 29, 2011
  7. Killa Weigha
    So if you handle money you'll be refused entry and possibly searched? Why is it finger tips if it's supposed to confirm drug use? Doesn't it just confirm that one has touched drugs? Hand shakes, door handles, the list of ways to come into contact with drugs or their residue is fairly long I would imagine. Creepy shit at the least.
    Killa Weigha, May 29, 2011
  8. Seaquake
    Seaquake, May 29, 2011
  9. wendyb
    I agree with killa if an innocent person touched the wrong object door handle ect. They could be turned away. If this is the case how does anyone make it through the door residue is easily picked up from any surface which mean pretty much everyone unless your ocd is going to have some type of substance on there hand weather they're performing illegal activities or not. Not to mention once your prints are scanned they automatically have the ability to keep your profile in the system and objecting to scanning is only going to raise a red flag to authorities and raise their suspicions making them watch you like a hawk waiting for any small incident to occur so they will have reason for detainment or search.
    wendyb, May 30, 2011
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