Calls to introduce drug-checking services after death of two teenagers

Calls to introduce drug-checking services within Scotland's nightlife venues are growing, following the death of two teenagers over the weekend.

Two 18-year-old men died within hours of each other after reportedly attending a performance by DJ Ben Hemsley at the SWG3 nightclub in Glasgow on Saturday.

The deaths are being investigated as drug-related, but not police are confirming they are not connected.

'Welcome addition'

Graeme Callander from charity We Are With You says facilities which test what's contained within substances could help prevent deaths.

He said: "Drug checking services certainly would be a welcome addition into the landscape of Scotland, whether that be in the community or within our nightlife venues.

"It would provide really vital information for people who choose to take substances and give them important information about what's contained within something.

"The Scottish Government has backed a pilot into the viability of drug checking, and we're waiting to hear the final results of that.

"But at the moment, there isn't a license or ability within Scotland for that to happen but we fully support that measure.

"Because it's normally illegal substances that people are taking, I think societies views around drug taking is normally a negative one which makes it really hard for people to come forward for support if they run into difficulties."

Deaths not linked

Officers were called to a report of an 18-year-old man taking unwell in the Constarry Road area of Croy, North Lanarkshire, at around 11.20pm on Saturday.

He was taken to the University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie, but died a short time later.

In the early hours of Sunday, another 18-year-old man became unwell on Eastvale Place in Glasgow's west end, the location of the SWG3 venue.

Police were called at around 2.20am.

He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in the city, but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police Scotland said on Monday it was investigating whether the deaths were linked, but the force has now ruled this out.

'Thoughts remain with family and friends'

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, divisional commander for greater Glasgow, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the two men who have lost their lives.

"So far in our inquiries it has been established that both of these men, who were unknown to each other, attended the same event in the Eastvale Place area of Glasgow on Saturday night.

"However, inquiries remain ongoing and although we are investigating both deaths as drug-related at this time, there is no evidence to suggest there is a connection between these deaths.

"We are committed to establishing the full circumstances and are working with the venue, colleagues in the NHS and Public Health Scotland as our inquiries continue to ensure a partnership and public health-led approach."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 4538 of August 12.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on or through Fearless - an anonymous reporting site for young people at crimestoppers-uk.org.

A spokeswoman for SWG3 said: "We are devastated at the news and our deepest sympathies are with the families.

"We will continue to assist the police with their inquiries."

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