COCAINE traces have been found in eleven buildings across campus, an Exeposé investigation can reveal.
Tests were carried out in a total of fifteen toilets in both academic and non-academic buildings across campus using specialist swabs that detect cocaine residue. The results indicate abuse of the Class A drug extends beyond the recreational spots on campus to academic and administrative buildings.
Cocaine was discovered in the toilets in the Lemon Grove, Northcott Theatre and the Forum, as well as in the following academic buildings: the Physics Tower, Washington Singer, INTO, Queens Building and Amory, and the disabled toilets on Level 0 of the Forum Library.
Positive results were also obtained in a toilet tested in Northcote House, the administrative hub on campus which houses the offices of senior University staff. There is no open access to Northcote House for students.
Similarly, two separate toilets at the end of the Guild top corridor tested positively for cocaine residue. These toilets are open for staff and student use, as well as visitors to the university.
Toilets in the Peter Chalk Centre, Harrison Building, the first floor of Queens Building, Streatham Court and Level -1 of the library were also tested, but the swab results were negative.
The strongest results were found in the disabled toilet on the ground floor of Queens Building and the disabled toilet on the first floor of the Physics Tower. In both of these locations, a much larger trace quantity was detected in comparison to the other locations tested
According to Estate Patrol, the number of reported drug-related incidents on campus increased by almost two-thirds in 2012. In 2011, only eight cases were reported, in comparison to the 23 cases that were reported last year.
A spokesperson for Estate Patrol said that it sometimes receive phone calls from students who have noticed a suspicious smell in Halls of Residence but confirmed that in virtually all cases cannabis is the drug being used. The spokesperson also told Exeposé that generally, Estate Patrol do not seize large amounts of drugs on campus.
A spokesperson also commented that they were not surprised by Exeposé’s findings, considering the large number of people on campus.
When presented with the evidence obtained by Exeposé, a spokesperson for the University said: “The University has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug taking, and informs the police of all incidents as and when they occur.
“If students see anything suspicious or would like to report an incident, please contact Estate Patrol.”
The University also stated that the high number of positive test results in multiple locations across campus is not unexpected, considering that “most of the toilets tested are used by hundreds if not thousands of people each year.
“Last year we had 23 reported drug incidents among our 18,000 students, the vast majority of which were related to cannabis use.
“Whilst we’re not complacent, the evidence does not suggest that we have a significant drug problem at Exeter.”
The Guild agreed with the University regarding the extent of drugs abuse on campus, emphasising that “the Guild operates a zero tolerance to drugs use amongst students and staff”.
They added: “The Guild does not believe that there is a significant drugs problem at the University. The Advice Unit is available 24/7 to discuss any issues surrounding drugs use.
“The Advice Unit works closely with the Wellbeing Centre, should anyone wish to discuss the matter in confidence.”
However, Dr Vik Mohan, who practices at the Student Health Centre said that Exeposé’s findings were concerning.
She said: “Evidence of such widespread use of cocaine on the campus is deeply concerning to us at the Student Health Centre, as cocaine use poses such a huge risk to the health and wellbeing of our students. These risks include addiction, death from overdose, heart attacks or seizures, and mental health problems (or worsening of pre-existing mental health difficulties).
“Of course we strongly advise against the use of cocaine, and all other recreational drug use.
“However, at the Student Health Centre we offer a full range of confidential support for anyone with concerns about their health as a result of any drugs they may have used or are using, and are very experienced at supporting students with drug-related problems.”
In addition to the Student Health Centre, Dr Mohan advised that there are many other places students involved in or affected by drugs can go for confidential advice and information. These include the NHS Direct, NHS Choices, Exeter Drugs Project and Talk to Frank websites.
Dave Rigg, the Director and Founder of Crackdown Drug Testing, the company that makes the brand of swabs used in Exeposé’s investigation, stated that the swabs obtain results that are between “95 to 99 per cent accurate”. He also confirmed that the swabs can detect traces of cocaine up to a month after the surface has been used for snorting substances, even after repeated, direct contact with cleaning products.
Rigg explained the science behind the swabs: “The test is based on the reaction between cobalt thiocyanate and cocaine. Cobalt thiocyanate in solution is a pink colour, when cocaine comes into contact with it an immediate blue colour develops.
“This simple generic test is widely known and used throughout the forensic science community.”
Rigg explained the swabs are regularly used by Devon and Cornwall and Metropolitan Police, as well as dozens of other UK constabularies, prisons and customs to detect cocaine abuse.
Words: Beccy Smith
Additional reporting: Tom Payne, Zoe Bulaitis, Ellie Steafel and Ben Murphie
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