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Embargoed not for publication or broadcast until 00.01 Saturday 25 June - Government scientists set up high-tech laboratory at Glastonbury to help tackle 'legal highs'

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 24 June 2011

Drugs will be tested, identified and catalogued within hours of being seized at Glastonbury Festival, it was announced today.

The Forensic Early Warning System (FEWS) will see scientists, police and drugs charities working together to build a fast and accurate picture of new drugs being sold and what harmful substances they contain.

FEWS was created in response to growing concerns about the rise in use of so-called 'legal highs' and puts the UK at the forefront of international efforts to tackle the issue.

Baroness Browning, minister for crime prevention, said:

"We must send a clear message to anyone who takes so-called 'legal highs' - you are playing Russian roulette with your health.

"The Forensic Early Warning System is a pioneering approach that will help us stay one step ahead of unscrupulous manufacturers who peddle in these pernicious products.

"I am delighted Glastonbury, and other festivals, have supported this initiative and hope together we can help protect young people from the real dangers posed by these drugs."

Police will take drugs seized at the festival back to a nearby testing facility where scientists will be able to analyse and identify them.

All intelligence gathered will be shared with other summer festival organisers so they can take appropriate steps to tackle their use.

The government will also monitor the data FEWS provides and consider further action, including asking its independent advisors, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, to consider the prevalence and harms posed by any of these new psychoactive substances.

069/2011


NOTES TO EDITOR
1. The FEWS will also be used at other summer festivals later in the season, details of which are to be confirmed.

2. Baroness Browning wrote to all festival organisers earlier this month reminding them of the need to remain vigilant to the dangers posed by new psychoactive substances. For a copy of the letter please go to http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/festivals-warned?version=1

3. The government has introduced legislative proposals for a new 12 month temporary banning power for new psychoactive substances to protect the public while the ACMD assess the harms they pose. For further details please go to http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/alcohol-drugs/drugs/temporary-bans/

4. The government launched its drug strategy in December 2010. For more information please go to www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/drug-strategy-2010/

5. For more information on the work of the ACMD please go to www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/acmd/

6. Anyone seeking information on the risks and dangers of so called 'legal highs', as well as illegal drugs, should go to the FRANK website www.talktofrank.com or call the confidential helpline on 0800 77 66 00.

7. For further information please contact the Home Office press office on 020 7035 3535.

Contacts:

Home Office Press Office
Phone: 020 7035 3535
NDS.HO@coi.gsi.gov.uk