Drug testing at music festivals

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Drugs, Commander Simon Bray said:

“Police forces are committed to reducing the harm caused by all drugs and urge people to remember that drugs are ‘controlled’ because they have been shown to be harmful.

“There has been no proposed national roll-out of drug testing at festivals. Any proposal would need to be considered at a local level by the police force, local authority and health services with a view on its legal, scientific and possible health implications.

“Before any type of drug testing could be endorsed locally it is vital that forces have a strong understanding of the implications on policing. Police could not support initiatives that do not comply with the law or that have unintended negative consequences.”