‘Cocaine torches’ to tackle drug abuse in Paisley pubs

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The torches 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.

As part of Renfrewshire's festive safety campaign, the police are providing some of Paisley's busiest pubs and clubs with the torches to be used by their stewards. They will also be used by officers in the town centre.

The cocaine torches follow on from the successful introduction on cocaine swab kits to allow licensees to detect if people have been abusing drugs in their premises.

Sergeant Greg Dinnie, violence reduction co-ordinator with Strathclyde Police, 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.

"It is intended as a non-intrusive preventative tool. If cocaine has been taken it illuminates bright green. That then gives us the power to search them and see if they've got any further substances on them or provides stewards with the ability to refuse entry and protect other persons enjoying a safe night out."

The festive safety campaign is being run by the Safer and Stronger Renfrewshire Partnership which includes Renfrewshire Council, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Renfrewshire Community Health Partnership and other organisations.

Councillor Brian Lawson, Renfrewshire Council's community safety spokesman said: "One of our key aims to make Renfrewshire safer is to reduce alcohol and drug misuse. We have had a very positive response from licensees on the introduction of the cocaine swabs and these torches are another tactic in identifying those who are abusing drugs while out in our town centres."

Premises in Paisley town centre who are backing the scheme include Moloko, Club 69, Fury Murys, Viennas and SOHO.

Andrew Nicol, licensee at Vienna's, said: "There is a strong, working relationship betweens us, the security firm who employ the stewards, the police and the council. Along with the radio link system and the taxi marshals these torches are another way we are all working together to make Paisley safer."

Craig Laverty, Area Manager for SGL security firm, said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership to make sure everyone can go out and have a good, safe night out in Paisley over the Christmas period."

Press release: Wednesday 23 December 2009.