The pill testing trial at the Canberra leg of Groovin the Moo was deemed a success after traces of deadly substances were found over the weekend. A total of 128 people participated in the initiative, the first of its kind to be implemented in Australia after years of debate surrounding the issue.
The initiative was run by Safety and Testing and Advisory Service at Festivals and Events (STA-SAFE), who revealed traces of “pure… high quality” ecstasy, cocaine and ketamine were found. Of the 85 pills tested, two pills contained traces of deadly substances, including the highly toxic chemical N-Ethylpentylone (ephylone), which is responsible for a large amount of drug overdoses world wide.
Emergency doctor in the tent, Dr David Caldicott, commented on the day’s success, saying lives were saved.
However, not everyone was pleased about the initiative. The Project’s, Steve Price, voiced his opinion on the topic on Monday night’s airing of the program.
Price proclaimed his anger, saying he’d “hardly call police ignoring drug use enlightened.”
“We have laws. Drugs are illegal. We can’t just have the police going around ignoring the law.” He continued.
Despite some backlash, broad support from festival goers and harm reduction agencies continues to grow, with pill-testing advocates setting their sites on other states and territories next.
Aussie Gossip supports all endeavours towards pill-testing as a harm minimisation initiative.
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