Police carry out drug swab testing at 200 licensed premises in Derbyshire

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A West Yorkshire Police office on the beat at Leeds Market...9 October 2007. See Police performance league tables story. Picture: Simon Hulme — PAGE 2 A West Yorkshire Police office on the beat at Leeds Market...9 October 2007. See Police performance league tables story. Picture: Simon Hulme

Drug swab tests have been carried out at 200 licensed premises in Derbyshire to help staff tackle substance abuse at their pubs, bars and clubs.

Officers from the Licensing Enforcement Unit visited businesses across Derby, south Derbyshire and Erewash as part of the operation, swabbing surfaces in the toilet areas for traces of drugs.

The tests showed the presence of cocaine, ecstasy, heroin and amphetamine. The results are being analysed and will be shared with licensees.

Licensing enforcement officer Kelvin Hannah said: “The premises were selected at random and have undergone testing for the presence of illegal substances in toilets in an effort to gauge if any drugs are being taken there.

“The aim is to help and advise licensees on how to prevent drug use within their premises and from a policing perspective, it gives us an idea what drugs may be being used in pubs, bars and clubs.

“Once all the samples have been tested in the laboratory, the results will be shared with premises so we can tackle the issues together. The testing has been well received and licensees have been keen to get involved and help us make our licensed premises a safer place to visit for all.”