The Loop: London’s first drug checking service launches in Hackney and Camden

The Loop has launched London’s first city-based drug checking service, now operating in the boroughs of Hackney and Camden. The service enables individuals to submit substances for chemical analysis, alongside receiving personalised health advice.

Funded by Hackney and Camden Councils and supported by the Metropolitan Police, the programme forms part of a wider multi-agency partnership. This includes local drug and alcohol services, public health teams, and academic experts, working together to monitor and respond to drug-related risks across the city.

Substances are tested using rapid scientific analysis to identify contents and potential risks. The results are used to inform individual consultations and contribute to wider monitoring of local drug markets, supporting early warning systems and targeted harm reduction messaging.

The initiative follows the introduction of a similar service in Bristol in 2024 and is designed to expand access to regular drug checking in urban settings. Services are free, confidential, and delivered on a monthly basis, operating under Home Office licensing and in line with government policy.

The London rollout supports broader efforts to reduce drug-related harm, improve access to treatment, and share information with communities, emergency services, and the nightlife sector.

Words: Chris Loizou / Imagery: The Loop