Results from Australia’s first pill testing service released

Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have released results from Australia's first government-backed pill testing service, including finding methamphetamine that was actually sugar. The experts examined a range of recreational drugs deposited at the ACT's CanTest Health and Drug Checking service during August, including ketamine, MDMA, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine. The drugs were analysed by chemists at the ANU Research School of Chemistry. Associate Professor Malcolm McLeod said the results provided important insight into the types of substances being sold in the local market. "Results from the first month of the service provide a fascinating window on the local drug scene," he said. "They also suggest the service is reaching a far broader cross section of the drug taking community than what was possible from Australia's first festival-based pill testing services conducted in previous years." In total, 58 samples were tested with 18 people discarding their drugs once they received the results. In addition, 70 health interventions were made.