'Cocaine torches' to be used in Paisley night clubs

The torches will be used by police and pub and club stewards

"Cocaine torches" are to be issued to pub and club stewards in Renfrewshire in an attempt to tackle drug abuse.

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.

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

Cocaine swab kits have previously been used at venues in the town to detect if revellers have been using drugs.

Strathclyde Police will be issuing the torches to club and pub stewards and some of its officers as part of Renfrewshire's festive safety campaign, which is run with the local council and businesses.

Police search

Sgt Greg Dinnie, who is a violence reduction co-ordinator with the force, 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."

Sgt Dinnie said the torches were "intended as a non-intrusive preventative tool".

If anyone tests positive, officers will have the power to search them. Stewards will also be able to refuse entry.