A NEW drug testing machine has been unveiled by Hertsmere Borough Council which could help in its fight against crime.

The Ion Tracker is about the size of a laptop and can be used by police outside pubs and clubs to detect if individuals have taken drugs.

Testing would be voluntary, but anyone giving a positive reading may be searched and could be arrested if found to be in possession of illegal substances.

The machine would only be used with the cooperation of licensees as part of the Pub Watch scheme, with the aim of reducing the availability of drugs and to combat drug related crime.

June 13, 2002 16:00