UK Cops Use High-Tech Drug Testing Machine On Clubbers

Asteroid · #1 (**permalink**) Feb 10, 04

Gloucester police drug tested scores of clubbers queuing to enter Coleford (Western England) nightclub Magnums last weekend with a brand new FBI-style device called the Itemizer 23.

Manufacturers claim the $42,000 gadget can detect minute traces of narcotics (and explosives), within 10 seconds, with apparently pinpoint accuracy.

"Customers were required to undertake the screening test, which shows whether or not they have been in contact with illegal drugs, as a condition of entry to the club,” local police chief Inspector Richard Boyles told the Gloucestershire Echo.

"The operation was a great success and resulted in 73 people being screened for drug use.” One man was later cautioned for cocaine possession..

The Itemizer 3 was first used against British clubbers in Staffordshire (Middle England) in December 2002, though attracted immediate complaints from civil liberties activists after the police admitted they considered a person’s refusal to take to test as being suspicious (even though by law anyone can refuse).

“The police cannot force someone who is not under arrest to take a drug test but they are implying they can,” Gareth Crossman from Liberty said at the time.

“To then use a perfectly legitimate refusal to comply as part of a justification for suspicion is an abuse of police powers (Big Issue).”

http://www.geindustrial.com/ge-inter..._overview.html

Jonty Skrufff (Skrufff.com)

**MC Hammered** · #2 (**permalink**) Feb 10, 04

Great.

Now when I touch any money or credit cards in my wallet I'll get nailed for cocaine use.

frontline · #3 (**permalink**) Feb 10, 04

^ haha excellent! good laugh. that gadget is pretty cool can see why civil rights activists are complaining though. couldnt care personaaly though. i dont take drugs

**MC Hammered** · #4 (**permalink**) Feb 10, 04

Not being a drug user is one thing.

Getting questioned for having traces of residue on your person from contact/handling of objects is something to be concerned of isn't it?

e_BoY · #5 (**permalink**) Feb 10, 04

yea it is. this gadget is sure to stir up alot of talk

PinkBunnyCandy · #6 (**permalink**) Feb 10, 04

oh geez, imagin the security using it at kiss this weekend without warning, wow......lmao, id actually like to see that, ita be a small party if that happened!

Sean · #7 (**permalink**) Feb 10, 04

LOL, the cops wouldn't bother as they wouldn't be able to deal with that amt of people being sent to jail.

Hot Karl · #8 (**permalink**) Feb 11, 04

in regards to clubs/parties here, i'd rather they just screen for guns.

SEAN! · #9 (**permalink**) Feb 11, 04

Quote:

Originally posted by Hot Karl
in regards to clubs/parties here, i'd rather they just screen for guns.

yeah and to tell you the truth i bet the VPD rather just screen for guns too..i dont think they really give a shit if people destroy themselves with drugs as long as they arent shooting each other.

besides the only thing that busting people for possesion is going to do is fill jails.