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Clubbers’ drug use put to test
POLICE have taken to the streets as part of the continuing crackdown on drug users and
suppliers.
Twenty-seven officers from north Kent police took part in the night-time operations
in Dartford on March 14 and March 15.
On the first night, a drugs testing machine was used as a condition of entry to The Tollgate pub in Dartford High Street and 166 people were scanned.
The test involves a swab wiped over a person's hand which is then placed into the machine to test for traces of drugs.
Three men were refused entry to the pub after being tested.
CCTV and the town centre's radio scheme were then used to stop them gaining entry into any other licensed town centre premises.
The machine was also used at Air and Breathe nightclub in Essex Road.
Eighty people were tested and seven were refused entry to the club.
One woman was arrested for possessing a single wrap of cocaine and given a caution.
A man was also cautioned after admitting having cannabis in his pocket.
The second night of the operation started at Dartford station, where two men were cautioned for possessing cannabis after a police dog indicated the presence of drugs.
Officers then moved on to Crush cocktail bar in Spital Street, where the machine was once again used as a condition of entry.
More than 200 tests were carried out and 14 people were searched.
Of these 12 were refused entry, not only to Crush but to all the premises in Dartford town
centre.
PC Adrian Parsons, who ran both operations and is also the north Kent drugs and licensing officer, said: "We had some very positive feedback both from members of the public and from the licensees themselves.
"The operation was the 50th we have run since last April in north Kent and I am sure the message we will not tolerate drugs in or around any of our licensed premises is being heard loud and clear."
Since the series of night-time operations started, officers have arrested 106 people and made 191 seizures of alcohol, while 3,620 people have been scanned by the drugs testing machine.
9:14am Monday 24th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Malc, Lee on 11:10am Mon 24 Mar 08
What an easy way for the lazy piggys to get thier arrest figures up.The legislation to use dogs at stations was meant to be a counter terrorist measure now its being used to criminalise party goers.Well done chaps how do you sleep?
What an easy way for the lazy piggys to get thier arrest figures up.The legislation to use dogs at stations was meant to be a counter terrorist measure now its being used to criminalise party goers.Well done chaps how do you sleep?
Posted by: Black Tom, Dartford on 12:58pm Mon 24 Mar 08
Maybe they should use this machine on their own officers to see how many of them are doing drugs. From what I hear of Kent Police drug use is rampant.
Maybe they should use this machine on their own officers to see how many of them are doing drugs. From what I hear of Kent Police drug use is rampant.
Posted by: Jack, Charlton on 10:26am Tue 25 Mar 08
What very sad views you people have. Lets have two places to live the one where there is no law and order for you lot to live your druggie out of control lives, and one for people who just want a nice quiet life and keep away from yobs and unlawful scum who wanna do what they want.
What very sad views you people have. Lets have two places to live the one where there is no law and order for you lot to live your druggie out of control lives, and one for people who just want a nice quiet life and keep away from yobs and unlawful scum who wanna do what they want.
Posted by: Manny, Northfleet on 10:26am Tue 25 Mar 08
They havent been to H20 in Gravesend then.Rife.
They havent been to H20 in Gravesend then.Rife.
Posted by: Sarah, Welling on 10:41am Tue 25 Mar 08
I was once tested by one of these machines entering the former Lloyds bar at Bexleyheath a year ago. I had a swab taken, put into the machine, and it was shown positive to Heroin, Cannabis, Cocaine. I have never touched drugs in my entire life! I was searched by police and as i was found with nothing on me, they explained that touching a wall, bar, or anything in the room which has been touched by a drug user would prove positive on me as it would leave traces on me.! How can they say this testing is reliable? ridiculous
I was once tested by one of these machines entering the former Lloyds bar at Bexleyheath a year ago. I had a swab taken, put into the machine, and it was shown positive to Heroin, Cannabis, Cocaine. I have never touched drugs in my entire life! I was searched by police and as i was found with nothing on me, they explained that touching a wall, bar, or anything in the room which has been touched by a drug user would prove positive on me as it would leave traces on me.! How can they say this testing is reliable? ridiculous
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