Pubs look out for drug 'hotspots'

The Ion Track machine can detect tiny traces of illegal drugs

Pubs and clubs in a Surrey town have signed up to have their premises checked for drug use.

Officers from Woking Borough Council and Surrey Police will be taking an Ion Track machine into the venues.

The £30,000 device is used to test surfaces such as table tops, bars and toilet cisterns where illegal drugs may have been present.

"This is about helping venues identify hotspots they need to keep an eye on," said licensing manager Russell Ellis.

The Ion Track machine can detect tiny traces of commonly used drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and ecstasy.

"Sometimes, these premises are nervous about admitting if they see something suspicious," said Mr Ellis, from Woking council.

"They are sometimes nervous about admitting they think they may have a problem because of the threat of closure.

"The police want them to know it is far better to get the police involved at an early stage and cut out the source."

Mr Ellis said drug crime was generally low in Surrey.

Key staff

But Surrey Drug Care, which runs a 24-hour helpline, said drug and alcohol misuse was widespread in the UK and the county was no different.

Volunteers took 2,017 calls over the past year. Although alcohol was the major issue, 565 calls were related to cannabis use and 179 to cocaine.

Most of the town's pubs and clubs have signed up to take part in the initiative.

Key staff including managers and security are also being invited to a talk from specialist police officers.

"They will receive a certificate of attendance, which is their proof they are doing their bit to help," said Mr Ellis.

"Hopefully it will be followed up in five or six months' time by a second round of visits to see if the venues have taken on what they have been taught and if the detection rate reduces."