Following a string of drug related deaths at music festivals and club nights worldwide the UK government have proposed a somewhat unusual solution – drug testing drugs. Following the death of one and the hospitalisation of five others a couple of weekend’s ago, officials of Manchester’s Warehouse Project will be seizing drugs on the premises and testing them in a  “government-funded laboratory set up inside a trailer”. Sounds slightly Vince Gilligan-esque.

Sacha Lord, on behalf of The Warehouse Project, stated:

“Any drugs confiscated are going to be put through a machine, which in seconds evaluates what is the makeup of that particular confiscation. We can then send out messages via social media during the event.”

Security will be responsible for submitting confiscated substances for testing. However, the emphasis is equally placed on party go-ers, who are encouraged to hand in drugs to be tested before being ingested. Following a push on the events Facebook page for further measures to be introduced to protect ravers, organisers said they also plan to increase security and install air conditioning units at the venue after last week’s tragedy.

This conforms with an emerging trend amongst festival organisers and performers alike, including Tommie Sunshine and Major Lazer, who have been pushing for a transparent and educational approach to drug consumption, as opposed to condemning those who partake in such recreational activities.

This seems like a step in the right direction; however the success of such an initiative may turn on the willingness of the punters to participate and share information concerning “bad red rope liquorice circulating in the crowd”. Hopefully it works out so that everyone can have an A1 day!

Source: Factmag