Scotland’s first national drug testing and research lab announced

Scotland’s first national drug testing and research laboratory has been announced.

The Scottish Government said the lab will boost efforts to cut drug-related harm and save lives.

The University of Dundee will host the centre as part of a national pilot backed by more than £1.5 million in funding.

The site will analyse drug samples to help respond to emerging trends such as highly dangerous synthetic substances which experts warn are becoming increasingly common.

A proposal for a drug-checking service in Glasgow has also been approved by the Home Office.

Meanwhile, applications for similar services in Aberdeen and Dundee have been submitted to the Home Office, while a fourth facility in Edinburgh is working on its application.

People will be able to submit drugs for testing and receive harm-reduction advice alongside the results.

The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) at the University of Dundee will provide more complete analysis of samples from the local sites, giving vital information for the national early warning system, the Government said.

Drugs and alcohol policy minister Maree Todd said: “The University of Dundee has a strong reputation for forensic science and reaching this agreement, along with the licence approval for the first drug-checking site, are vital steps in our national mission on drugs.

“It is particularly important in light of the current dangers posed by new synthetic opioids like nitazenes which raise the risk of overdose and death. Often people who use drugs are not aware of exactly what they contain.

“That is why we have consistently impressed upon the UK Government the importance of giving drug-checking facilities the go-ahead.

“We will now work at pace with local partners in Glasgow and all the pilot cities to get these services up and running as soon as possible.”

LRCFS director Professor Niamh Nic Daeid said: “We are very pleased to be able to support the Scottish Government’s national mission to reduce drug-related deaths. The National Research and Testing Laboratory will provide information and research about the types of drugs circulating in Scotland that will inform colleagues and communities working to reduce drug deaths across the country.”

SNP councillor Allan Casey, Glasgow City Council’s convener for workforce, homelessness and addiction services, added: “We are delighted to have received notification of the Home Office licence approval, having worked on the application and alongside national partners for some time.

“The service will complement other harm-reduction services in operation across the city and provide an opportunity to engage people in conversations about their health and wellbeing, as well as treatment, care and recovery.”