A CRACKDOWN on drugs using a machine which detects illegal substances has been launched.

Waltham Forest Council will use the Ion Track Itemiser to test swabs taken during unannounced visits to restaurants, pubs and nightclubs.

The grey box-like machine can detect minute amounts of commonly-used drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.

If positive samples are found, the council and police will work with the license holders to introduce measures to eradicate drug use on the premises.

Venues which fail to address the problem will have their licences reviewed.

Information gathered will also allow the council to map drug trends.

Cllr Afzal Akram, enforcement cabinet member, said: “The reaction we have had from the licence holders we have spoken to so far has been extremely positive and supportive.

“This is not about criminalising our pubs and clubs, it is about early identification of drug use on our licenced premises which will enable us to put in place measures to tackle the problem.

“This scheme also sends a clear message that drug use will not be tolerated in Waltham Forest.”