As the end-of-year holidays and evenings in bars and nightclubs approach, a new chemical submission detection test has appeared in pharmacies. Its name: Check Your Drink (CYD), or Check your drink. This kit, which takes the form of a small sachet containing several strips, allows you to detect the presence of a psychoactive substance, such as GHB, MDMA or ketamine in a drink.
Concretely, the test consists of placing a drop of beverage on the two markers of the paper rod. When it is positive for one of the molecules identified, it changes color after one minute. If several tests of this type already exist, CYD makes it possible to detect the presence of a drug among more than 600 molecules identified, compared to around ten for the others. Launched in 2014 in the United Kingdom, Check Your Drink is now marketed in several European countries but also in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Korea.
Prevention rather than cure
“A hundred pharmacists have already ordered these tests,” assures Patrick Le Branchu, communications director for PharmaVie, a network bringing together 400 pharmacies across France. The pharmacies selling these kits are listed on the Check Your Drink website, but they can also be ordered directly online for 8.90 euros for a pouch of five strips.
“Many young people are worried before going out and parents are afraid for their children,” emphasizes Patrick Le Branchu. We must therefore disseminate this type of device as much as possible, especially since it is discreet and fits in a pocket or a phone case. » Unlike urine tests which detect substances after an act has been committed, this kit allows “prevention rather than cure”, repeats the communications director. “The goal is to do prevention and act upstream. »
A test that does not detect benzodiazepines
First problem: CYD does not detect benzodiazepines, tranquilizers commonly used in chemical submission. “With the tests available on the market today, the only way to detect a benzodiazepine is to use a specific lateral flow test, in particular a urine test or a blood test,” explains Michaël Maurin, consultant at NeutraPharma Europe . Tests carried out a posteriori, therefore.
Second problem: contrary to popular belief, chemical submission is not just about being drugged by a predator with GHB in a nightclub. Crafs data shows that the victim is often drugged by someone they know and who betrays their trust. This implies that a person wishing to use these strips should not reserve them for certain evenings.
“We should test the liquid with each sip”
In addition, not all pharmacists are aware of this new device. Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the Union of Community Pharmacists Unions (USPO), has never heard of it. “When I type ‘Check Your Drink’ into my search engine with my supplier, nothing comes up. » The pharmacist would be ready to order some tests for his pharmacy located in Côte d’Or but is skeptical about their success.
To learn more about chemical submission
“On the surface it’s a good idea, but in reality, even if young people don’t drop their glass, someone can slip a drug in without them realizing it,” believes the pharmacist. Ideally, you should test the liquid with each sip, but no one will do that. Or you have to test the drink when you get it, then put a cap on it and never take your eyes off the glass again. It’s good to create this type of test, but it’s much more complex than you think. »
Related News :