Chapel St overdoses: Greens’ pill testing proposal dismissed by State Government

A CALL to introduce pill testing for illicit drugs by a Melbourne Greens MP has been slapped down by the State Government, weeks after a spate of overdoses on Chapel St.

THE State Government has slapped down a call by Prahran state Greens MP Sam Hibbins to introduce pill testing for illicit drugs.

More than 20 people were hospitalised earlier this month after ingesting pills made from a an allegedly bad batch of MDMA.

One of the victims was a 17-year-old boy, and police are investigating whether the overdose death of an Epping man aged in his 30s on January 13 is linked.

Mr Hibbins said the incidents were “a tragedy” and demonstrated the need for pill testing and reporting.

“I have serious concerns about the ongoing health and safety of punters at Chapel St nightclubs who are still at risk from these drugs,” he said.

The Greens say Melbourne’s recent spate of overdoses highlights the need for pill testing.

“Pill testing can reduce harm and save lives by making information about dangerous drug substances publicly available.”

But Georgia Brumby, spokeswoman for Minister for Health Martin Foley, said there were no plans to introduce pill testing.

“We will consider calls for a real time public database of forensic information collected by police and hospitals and await the findings of the coroner’s hearing into overdoses,” she said.

Turning Point clinical director Dr Matthew Frei said people need to “put aside” the fact that drug taking is illegal and think about the best way to minimise the risk to users.

“In my view these drugs are being used, and clearly seeing deaths, they’re being used in a risky way,” Dr Frei said.

Pill testing does not pick up every dangerous ingredient. Picture: Richard Serong

Testing recreational substances for potentially life-threatening toxins had the potential to discourage people from taking them, he said, but he also cautioned that pill testing had its limits and some dangerous ingredients could not yet be tested for.

“It’s (pill testing is) only one factor in reducing harm,” he said.

Victoria police spokesman Thomas O’Byrne said police had increased patrols in Chapel St and it was important people knew they were putting themselves at risk by consuming illicit substances.

Anyone who notices suspicious activity in the street or at a venue is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Health emergencies should be reported immediately by calling 000.