London’s first drug-checking service could expand to more cities

Under the drug-checking service, users can submit substances for testing and will subsequently receive “anonymous, non-judgemental chat”, alongside tailored harm reduction advice.

A man holds a bag illegal drugs — The service will take place on the first Saturday of the month in Camden and third Saturday of the month in Hackney

Pharmacist volunteers will take part in London’s first drug-checking service, launched by charity The Loop.

The new Hackney and Camden locations, in north London, follow the first branch of the service, which launched in Bristol in 2024.

In a statement published on 9 March 2026, the charity said the service could be rolled out to more London boroughs and other cities in the future.

It added that users can submit substances to undergo testing in the Loop laboratory and will then receive an “anonymous, non-judgemental chat” — alongside tailored harm reduction advice — or can speak to the team about drugs without submitting a substance.

Katy Porter, chief executive of The Loop, said: “Hackney and Camden are the first of several London boroughs we are working with, alongside further cities. This launch represents another important shift toward evidence-based health interventions at a time when drug deaths in England are at an all-time high.”

Data published by the Office for National Statistics in October 2025 show there were 5,565 deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales in 2024, up from 5,448 deaths in 2023.

Fiona Measham, founder and chair of trustees of The Loop and chair in criminology at the University of Liverpool, commented: “Drug markets are more dangerous than ever, with increasing numbers of potent synthetic drugs in circulation across the UK.

“Drug checking can play a unique role in countering these threats, acting as the ‘canary in the coalmine’. It tests, identifies and communicates these risks rapidly and directly to local services and local communities.

“Drug checking reduces drug-related harm, which reduces the burden on emergency services and the NHS,” she added.

The service is supported by the Metropolitan police and operated by a multidisciplinary team, which includes chemists and healthcare professionals.

It is licensed by the Home Office, free to use and will run on the first Saturday of the month in Camden and the third Saturday of the month in Hackney.