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Initiative to tackle drugs misuse in Leicester's pubs and clubs

Posted on 11/06/2009

cannabis, weed, drugs Initiative to tackle drugs misuse in Leicester's pubs and clubs

Customers at a pub in Leicester have been screened for drugs as part of an initiative by police to tackle drugs misuse in the city centre.

Officers from the City Centre local policing unit used a portable handheld drugs machine to test customers at the Gatehouse pub in Churchgate during the afternoon of Wednesday June 10.

The simple test, which takes just seconds to complete, involves a Teflon coated strip being swiped across a surface such as clothing and skin. The strip is then inserted into the machine which analyses the sample and immediately provides the officer with a reading. It can detect the presence of the majority of illegal drugs, including cannabis, cocaine and heroin.

Over 30 customers were screened, with none testing positive for drugs. One customer who refused the test was asked to leave the premises by the landlord. He was stopped and searched by officers outside the pub, but was not found to be in possession of any drugs.

PC Jon Webb from the City Centre Violence and Disorder Team said: "Customers were initially reluctant to have the test but once we explained it to them, all but one out of over 30 customers and staff agreed to be screened for drugs.

“Obviously we are pleased with the results as no one tested positive. However it was also a worthwhile exercise in raising awareness of measures police in the city are taking to tackle drugs misuse. Word got round very quickly and we soon had people peering through the windows of the pub to see what we were doing.

“We will continue to runs operations targeting drugs and, where possible, use the machine as a condition of entry to identified pubs and clubs in the city centre.”

Dalbir Dyal, who has recently taken over as landlord of the Gatehouse, said: “I know that in the past there have been problems with drugs at the pub and I want to put that right. I am happy to work with the police to resolve these issues and am pleased with the results of the tests.”

Police can also use the machine to test surfaces in pubs and clubs, when invited to do so by the management. This can help the management to determine where drugs are being taken on their premises, such as the toilets, and to take necessary measures to prevent it such as increasing security, introducing blue lighting or removing flat surfaces such as toilet roll holders.

This week officers have mapped out the Soar Point pub in The Newarke in Leicester and have now been invited to test a further three pubs in the city centre which are owned by the same company.

Initiatives and operations to tackle drugs, reduce drug-related crime and educate people about the effects of drugs are being highlighted by Leicestershire Constabulary as part of National Tackling Drugs Week (June 8 – 12, 2009).

Anyone with information about drugs misuse or dealing in Leicester is urged to call Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

* Please note some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.