- Formal opening of state-of-the-art forensic centre
A state-of-the-art forensic laboratory which plays a vital role
in toxicology testing has been formally opened.
The purpose-built Moorepark laboratory was established with
almost £6 million of Scottish Government funding. It carries out
toxicology tests for a wide range of substances, including drugs
and alcohol, when an unexplained death has occurred, providing
world-leading testing capabilities for drugs services, as well as
police and prosecutors.
Moorepark, which is run by Scottish Police Authority Forensic
Services (SPA FS), was formally opened by Justice Secretary
and Drugs and Alcohol
Policy Minister .
Ms Constance said:
“My sympathy goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one
through drugs. While the prevention of such deaths is the top
priority in our £250 million National Mission on Drugs,
toxicology facilities such as Moorepark have a key role to play
when, unfortunately, these tragedies do occur.
“Information gained from testing done at this new
state-of-the-art facility helps to build our knowledge of drugs
trends, including the emerging threat of synthetic opioids. With
Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response reports and other
surveillance measures, we can also increase awareness of drug
supply so services can be targeted at harm reduction.
“Post-mortem toxicologists also play a vital role in helping to
detect crime and, very importantly, in providing answers in the
sad circumstances where loved ones have passed away suddenly or
unexpectedly.”
Fiona Douglas, Director of Forensic Services, Scottish Police
Authority, said:
“This £5.9 million investment in the new Moorepark Laboratory and
highly skilled scientists and staff secures the future of the
Post Mortem Toxicology service in Scotland.
“Bringing post-mortem toxicology into forensic services allows us
to enhance the drugs information we provide to support the work
of the Drugs Harm Taskforce.”
Background
Scottish Government funding enabled the transition of post-mortem
toxicology forensic services from the University of Glasgow to
the SPA FS, securing the future of the service.
