What is The Loop drug testing system and which UK festivals are offering the service?
Scientists will confirm the content of the drug, before disposing of the sample
FESTIVAL revellers may be able to find out exactly has gone into their drugs at some of the UK's largest music events this summer.
But what do we know about the pioneering safety scheme and where will it be implemented?
What is The Loop drug testing system?
Festival-goers will take their drugs to a testing tent run by non-profit drug and alcohol health service, The Loop.
Scientists will inform them exactly what substances are in their drug, before the sample is destroyed.
The Loop founder Fiona Measham called the move ‘radical’ adding: “It’s exciting that the police are prioritising health and safety over criminal justice at festivals.”
Which UK festivals are running the drugs testing scheme?
A number of UK festivals are thought to be allowing people to test the content of their illegal drugs this summer.
The system is poised to launch at the Reading and Leeds Festivals plus up to eight more live music events.
Melvin Benn, head of Live Nation subsidiary Festival Republic, detailed the plan and said he was now waiting for police to confirm their support.
He added: “We’ll see it this year for definite. At Leeds, I’m pretty certain.”
Why are festivals letting people test their own drugs?
The radical scheme has been created with the aim of reducing drug-related deaths.
Last year, reveller Lewis Haunch, 17, was pronounced dead in hospital after collapsing at Leeds Festival after reportedly taking drugs.
The scheme was trialled at last year’s Secret Garden party in Cambridgeshire.
