New drug rape test criticised by ACPO

A new test that protects drinkers from drug rape has been criticised by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

The Drink Detective will be available in Boots shops this week and manufacturers are confident it can cut down on the number of people who become victims of crimes when drugged.

The small, discreet cards contain three tests, one for Ketamine, one for benzodiazepine such as Rohypnol and one for the recreational drug GHB.

It has the support of the Roofie Foundation, a specialized organization that deals with issues of drug rape, but has been criticised by ACPO, which is about to launch a study across seven forces to record more crimes of this nature.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Gee, the project leader, said: "Whilst we welcome any kind of initiative to protect people in this way, what we would say is that people should not be reliant on these products and instead should take sensible precautions to look after their drinks."

The comments have angered Graham Rhodes, founder of the Roofie Foundation, who has endorsed the Drink Detective.

He said: "If people have access to these tests it sends a message to potential criminals that they can't get away with it as easily. What we are still missing though is a campaign to raise awareness of this issue. We have five to 10 calls a week from victims."

Peter Lee, licensee at the Country House Inn in Exeter, Devon, has bought the tests for his customers and sees them as beneficial.

He said: "It's obvious that it's going on and while it isn't a major problem in our area we want to provide customers with something that protects them. It will make people more reluctant to try drugging drinks at least."

The Drink Detective costs £1.50. For further information, contact Bloomsbury Innovations 01332 362832.