Cocaine Torches to Detect Cocaine Use Among Scottish Club-Goers
"Cocaine torches" (also known as flashlights) are to be issued to pub and club stewards in Renfrewshire, Scotland, in an attempt to tackle drug abuse. They work by illuminating the hairs on the inside of the nose and around the nose area. If cocaine has been taken, it shows up bright green.
The BBC reports that cocaine swab kits have previously been used at venues in the town to detect if patrons have been using drugs.
Strathclyde Police will be issuing the torches to club and pub stewards and some of its officers as part of Renfrewshire’s festive safety campaign, which is run with the local council and businesses.
Sgt. Greg Dinnie, who is a violence reduction coordinator with the force, said: "Over the past couple of years the police have introduced a new tactic of using specially-designed swabs to detect the presence of cocaine within licensed premises. This has frequently identified suspected illegal drug abuse within toilet and wash room areas.”
"The introduction of a number of cocaine torches will provide licensed stewards, operating at the busier entertainment establishments, and police officers, with the ability to identify persons entering these premises who have been recently abusing controlled drugs,” he continued.
Sgt Dinnie said the torches were "intended as a non-intrusive preventative tool".
If anyone tests positive, officers will have the power to search them. Stewards will also be able to refuse entry.
Tags: cocaine addiction, Drug abuse
