UK Cops Use High-Tech Drug Testing Machine On Clubbers

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)."

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