HSE'S DRUG TESTING AT MUSIC FESTIVALS

Pilot scheme to track substances extended to other summer events

- NICOLA DONNELLY

THE drug testing pilot introduced at Electric Picnic last year is to be rolled out to other music festivals, health officials said yesterday.

The scheme, operated by the HSE's Safer Nightlife programme, operates as a 'back of house' drug checking service to identify market trends and keep revellers safe.

The programme will begin at Life festival in Mullingar this Friday and involves punters anonymously putting drugs into surrender bins at the HSE harm reduction and medical tents.