The controversial initiative, which was used at various events in the UK this summer, allows drugs users to have their substances examined by experts.
Whatever is given to be tested is destroyed but drug users will be immune to arrests.
The idea behind the scheme, which is run by not-for-profit drug-testing group The Loop, is that users can test one ecstasy pill or a small amount of cocaine and be able to have a good idea as to what the rest of their batch contains so they can make an informed decision as to whether to consume it.
Several drug campaigners in Jersey have called for the introduction of drug-testing at events in Jersey.
However, Dr Susan Turnbull, the Island’s Medical Officer of Health, has voiced her concern over the initiative.
She said: ‘I would be very concerned that confirming the presence or absence of a small number of known substances could give false reassurance that a substance is safe.
‘Given the enormous and growing number of mind-altering drugs, such as new psychoactive substances or “legal highs”, now in circulation, I cannot see that it would be possible for any on-site testing service to cover all the possible chemicals that can cause harm, up to and including death. Even an official or large commercial analysis service couldn’t do that.’
Between 26 August and 3 September, 14 Islanders were treated in hospital after taking what is suspected to be the class-A drug ecstasy.
The States police has warned that they have intelligence that a strong batch of the drug is circulating the Island. An 18-year-old Islander died earlier this year after allegedly consuming ecstasy branded with an Ikea logo.
