Speedy cocaine testing kit

Thames Valley police is set to introduce a cocaine testing kit that can detect the drug in less than two minutes.

Senior scene of crime officers and others involved in proactive drugs operations are currently receiving training on how to use the new kit which will be rolled out across the Force by the end of the month.

The kits, which are single use and cost just £5, use a biochemical process called immunoassay, and allow officers to test even a tiny trace of suspected cocaine by mixing it with a special solution. Drops of this solution are then placed on the tester cartridge, much like a pregnancy test. If cocaine is present the test displays a single purple line, if not, a double.

Previously, all cocaine, however small an amount, would be sent to the Forensic Alliance laboratory in Culham where it would be analysed, taking time and money to complete.

The new kits are Home Office approved and provide a cost effective and rapid means of obtaining evidence to make a charge in cases where small amounts deemed to be for personal possession are discovered.

In cases where larger amounts are discovered, the cocaine will still be analysed by Forensic Alliance to determine aspects such as purity, however a positive result from the new test would enable police to hold a suspect in custody until a full result came back from the lab, whereas before they may have been bailed due to custody restrictions.

Karen Smith, Senior SOCO based in Thame, said: “Senior SOCOs from each of the five basic command units are currently being trained to use these kits and we will soon be able to respond to requests from officers to test any suspected cocaine seized in the Thames Valley.

“The great thing about the new test is that it is cost effective, quick and risk-free as it does not contain any hazardous chemicals.

“Forensic Alliance provides comprehensive training to all officers in the use of the kits and there are many advantages to its introduction.

“The kits allow us to proceed with a charge in the smaller possession instances, speeding up the process and allowing us to move an offender through the system.

“The tests give a near-instant result which can allow us to hold someone suspected of possession with intent to supply for longer. Previously we may have had to free them on bail if we were still awaiting the test results from the lab.

“In addition to speeding up the way in which we can deal with cocaine users and dealers these kits will save us money. It costs around £50 each time we request an analysis and it can cost several hundreds of pounds if one is needed outside of the lab’s normal working hours. The use of this kit means that many of these instances can now be avoided.”