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Hi-tech Drug Testing Blitz


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UK - 26 April 2004

 

Hi-tech drug testing blitz

 

Safer Neighbourhoods officers from Edmonton Green are planning to utilise the latest drug-testing technology in an initiative designed to rid their ward of drugs.

 

 

Following discussions with local businesses and residents, Edmonton Green's new Safer Neighbourhoods team will be targeting vehicles travelling through the ward and the surrounding borough of Enfield. They plan to tackle drug use in the area by unveiling a high-tech machine that can accurately detect even the slightest trace of drugs.

 

The team, who were introduced to Edmonton Green at the beginning of April, intend to stop vehicles as they drive through their ward along the busy Fore Street. Officers will then swab key areas of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel or a door handle, with a special paper detection strip. The strip is inserted into the machine and a result is displayed within seconds. The machine can determine if traces of drugs are present, what type of drug and the quantity discovered. Upon detection officers can then search the vehicle, driver and any passengers.

 

The machine, one of only three within the Metropolitan Police Service, is also able to detect traces of explosives and officers plan to check for both drugs and explosives in future operations.

 

Borough Commander for Enfield, Chief Superintendent Simon O'Brien, said:

 

"Those who live and work in Edmonton Green have been unequivocal in telling us what they want to see happening in their area. We have always worked hard to make the Green a safe place to visit and our new Safer Neighbourhoods team are determined to improve the area for everyone. This operation will not only help prevent the movement of drugs within the ward and the borough of Enfield, it will also send out a clear message that the MPS will not tolerate drugs and our officers are determined to support their local communities.”

 

Sergeant Mark Long, who leads Edmonton Green's Safer Neighbourhoods team, said:

 

"Safer Neighbourhoods allows us to deliver real community based policing by providing local solutions to local problems. This operation enables us to tackle an issue which concerns the residents and business owners on our ward while providing extra visual reassurance to those who travel through the ward on a daily basis."

 

This latest initiative is just one of many planned for Edmonton Green by the ward's Safer Neighbourhoods team. The Green's one-stop police shop, which is currently being refurbished, is due to open this May and the Safer Neighbourhoods team are currently working closely with partner agencies to tackle truancy and improve poor street lighting.

 

 

 

Bulletin 2004/0053

 

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