Confiscated and surrendered drugs will be tested at music
festivals this summer to identify toxic substances in circulation
and help prevent drug-related overdoses.
A continuation of long-standing government policy, licences have
been issued under strict conditions to drug testing organisations
to operate at some of the leading festivals in the UK.
Confiscated or surrendered drugs will be tested on site and
public alerts will be cascaded to festival goers if extremely
potent drugs are detected to protect the public as much as
possible and help prevent drug-related harm. The message to
festival goers is there is no safe way to take illegal drugs.
This will also provide an important source of data for the
government's early warning system in tracking the prevalence of
emerging threats, such as synthetic opioids, so that police and
health support services can take swift action to contain the
problem should any be identified.
Back-of-house drug testing does not see drug samples returned to
an individual or provide them with tailored information on the
content of their sample, as we are clear there are no safe ways
to take illegal drugs.
More licences are expected to be issued in the coming weeks.
As in previous years, organisations wishing to deliver
back-of-house drug testing must apply for a Home Office licence
to operate responsibly, in line with government policy to ensure
that they do not condone drug use which is illegal.
There has been no change in the government's position on drug
testing at festivals. It has long been a requirement for anyone
handling controlled drugs, including drug testing services, to
acquire a licence.
The Home Office continues to keep an open dialogue with any
potential applicants who wish to apply for a licence, including
organisations that deliver drug testing services, to ensure the
strict requirements attached to back-of-house drug testing are
fully understood.
Information about controlled drugs licences for companies that
possess, manufacture, produce or supply controlled drugs in
England, Wales or Scotland can be found in the controlled drugs: domestic
licences guidance.
