‘Landmark moment’: UK’s first regular drug testing service to open in Bristol

The free and confidential drug-testing service will be open once a month initially and delivered by charity The Loop. Photograph: The Loop

The UK’s first regular drug testing service is to open on Saturday in Bristol with a Home Office licence, marking a significant progressive shift in government policy.

The testing will allow people who are frequent or dependent users of drugs including heroin, crack, benzos and spice to check they are not contaminated with harmful cutting agents, or adulterated with high-strength synthetic opioids such as nitazines or fentanyl.