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Simple test to detect drugs
By KRISTY GRANT
July 1st 2005
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Mr Grenfell with Albury Liquor licensing officer Sgt Barker and the Drink Safe coaster |
BORDER revellers will be able to detect whether their drinks have been spiked with new technology available over the bar at the Globe Hotel.
The Drink Safe coasters have the capability to identify the substances GHB and Ketamine, two of the most commonly used drink-spiking drugs.
The technology is similar to a litmus test whereby patrons can take a small amount of a drink and put the liquid on to two spots on the test.
If the spot turns a darker blue it may have detected an amount of drug in the drink that may render a person unconscious.
Hotel owner Mr Brian Grenfell said the product had been tested by the police forensics unit and deemed to work.
Both GHB and Ketamine come in liquid and powder form and can be placed into a drink without it changing colour or texture.
“We firmly believe that this product will not only provide the Globe Hotel with the additional tool required to assist in the prevention of drink-spiking but also further raise the awareness of this growing social problem and send out a clear message to the spikers that the venue is now being proactive in combating this potential problem,” he said.
Mr Grenfell said the hotel wanted to remain one step ahead in its mission to stop drink-spiking before it happened.
“We know that this product will not eradicate all drink-spiking and drug-facilitated crime but it does work as an extra layer of personal protection for unsuspecting victims, it can work as a deterrent to would-be predators and importantly, also raises the awareness of this growing problem,” he said.
The Drink Safe coaster is obtained by request from the bar at the Globe Hotel.
Mr Grenfell advised patrons who found a positive result to the testing to contact bar staff immediately who would advise police.
Albury liquor licensing officer Sgt Bill Barker said police would be encouraging all licensed premises to adopt the technology.
“Spiked drinks is not a major problem around here. It does happen though and this will give drinkers another sense of safety,” he said.
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