Drug Checking Service: background information

Drug checking services operate in many countries internationally and are recognised as an evidence based harm reduction intervention.

In Scotland, drug checking has been developed in response to:

• an increasingly unpredictable illegal drug supply
• the presence of highly potent synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes
• the need for earlier identification of emerging drug trends and public health response

The Glasgow service forms part of a Scottish pilot programme developed with support from the Scottish Government and Corra Foundation, alongside the National Testing and Research Laboratory at Dundee University and, once opened, the other point of care drug checking sites in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.

The service operates under a Home Office Controlled Drug Licence.

You can also read more on our Drug Checking Service leaflet.

Back to main Drug Checking Service page