Company defends drug detection kit
The-Age
Monday 28 May 2001
The company behind a mail-order kit that allows parents to test their children for illegal drugs today defended the initiative amid concerns it was an invasion of privacy.
Drugscreen, the company behind the $59.95 Detect Now kit, said the kit - a spray can similar to those used by forensic scientists - would allow parents to determine if their children had been in contact with illegal drugs.
Drugscreen managing director Lisa Korn said the kit could detect drug residue, but dismissed claims its success was unproven and it was an invasion of privacy.
"As a parent, to my view nothing is more important that protecting your child from dangers such as drugs," she told ABC Radio.
"Parents need to know if their child is taking or being exposed to drugs so they can take responsibility for their health, safety and future.
"At the end of the day if a parent can prevent a child from developing a drug addiction by using a product such as Detect Now then in my view the benefit of the product far outweighs the negatives."
Ms Korn said Detect Now had a 99 per cent success rate and was used with success in court cases in the United States.
Detect Now is sprayed onto a swab used to wipe a surface, such as a table, where drugs may have been prepared. The swab changes colour if there is drug residue.
Ms Korn denied the kit contradicted the federal government's drugs policy, which encourages communication between parents and children.
Instead the kit would act as a "springboard" for future discussion, she said.
"Any concerned parent who has concerns their child is being exposed to drugs or drug use will want to know whether their child is or is not so they can take steps to help them," she said.
"If you don't know there is a problem, how can you help them?"
The kits, which are to be made available to parents and employers, can be ordered through the mail or online.
Cheers
The-Age
Monday 28 May 2001
The company behind a mail-order kit that allows parents to test their children for illegal drugs today defended the initiative amid concerns it was an invasion of privacy.
Drugscreen, the company behind the $59.95 Detect Now kit, said the kit - a spray can similar to those used by forensic scientists - would allow parents to determine if their children had been in contact with illegal drugs.
Drugscreen managing director Lisa Korn said the kit could detect drug residue, but dismissed claims its success was unproven and it was an invasion of privacy.
"As a parent, to my view nothing is more important that protecting your child from dangers such as drugs," she told ABC Radio.
"Parents need to know if their child is taking or being exposed to drugs so they can take responsibility for their health, safety and future.
"At the end of the day if a parent can prevent a child from developing a drug addiction by using a product such as Detect Now then in my view the benefit of the product far outweighs the negatives."
Ms Korn said Detect Now had a 99 per cent success rate and was used with success in court cases in the United States.
Detect Now is sprayed onto a swab used to wipe a surface, such as a table, where drugs may have been prepared. The swab changes colour if there is drug residue.
Ms Korn denied the kit contradicted the federal government's drugs policy, which encourages communication between parents and children.
Instead the kit would act as a "springboard" for future discussion, she said.
"Any concerned parent who has concerns their child is being exposed to drugs or drug use will want to know whether their child is or is not so they can take steps to help them," she said.
"If you don't know there is a problem, how can you help them?"
The kits, which are to be made available to parents and employers, can be ordered through the mail or online.
