Wallonia calls for ecstasy purity tests

15 July 2005

BRUSSELS — The Wallonian government and Federal Health Minister Rudy Demotte are in favour of allowing drug users test the purity of their ecstasy pills at music festivals and nightclubs.

Wallonian authorities hope the system will reduce the number of drug deaths and medical emergencies, but the Flemish government is opposed to the proposal.

The Public Prosecutor’s Council must first approve the plan, but as soon as the green light is given, the Wallonian drug prevention unit Modus Vivendi intends to start testing the quality of ecstasy.

A simple test can show whether the pill is safe or not, newspaper ‘De Standaard’ reported on Friday.

The project will be financed by the Wallonian government, which hopes to reduce the number of drug fatalities.

Pill testing facilities have been available in the Netherlands for years, but opponents claim the system creates the image that taking ecstasy in safe circumstances is okay.

The Flemish drug and alcohol unit VAD is opposed to the tests. It said other measures could be taken, such as providing free drink water, a chill-out room or a cheap cloakroom so that people take their coats off and not overheat while dancing.

Subject: Belgian news