The so-called 'cocaine torches' shine a powerful ultraviolet light under which the Class A drug shows up green and the torches can detect powder residue on the faces, hands or clothing of anyone who has come into contact with cocaine.

Anyone suspected of using the drug could then be searched
by police and prosecuted if drugs were found.

Ten torches have been purchased by Harborough police and will be carried by officers for use in the town centre as well as by door staff at the Enigma nightclub in Coventry Road.

Their introduction to Harborough follows a successful pilot by Lancashire police earlier this year.

Sgt Pete Jelbert, of Harborough police, said cocaine can make its users aggressive and it is hoped the torches can reduce the number of violent incidents in the town centre.

He added: "Officers called to any incidents of public disorder in the town on a Friday or Saturday night can use the torches to see if those involved have been taking the drug.

"If it shines green then it gives the officer grounds to make a search and arrest that person if drugs are discovered.

"They won't be shone randomly at people on the street. The message we want to send out is that drugs of all kinds, but in particular Class A drugs, are not welcome in Harborough.

"The town isn't awash with drugs, far from it, and that's how we want to keep it."


Maggie Deacon, general manager of Enigma, said "We fully support this police initiative as we too are keen to ensure cocaine and cocaine-users don't find their way into our club."

The torches, which cost £40, have been funded by national body The Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Harborough Community Safety Partnership.

As well as detecting cocaine, they can also be used to inspect counterfeit money and check for items which have been marked with SmartWater – a chemically-coded substance used to tag property so it can be traced back to its owner if stolen.