// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Tackling the 'war on drugs': Could testing at gigs work?
Northern Ireland's laws around drug testing and licencing differs to the rest of the UK
Bars, chip vans and portaloos are all common sights at classic outdoor gigs in Northern Ireland.
But in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, some also have dedicated facilities that allow for the rapid testing and identification of harmful drugs and substances.
Police this week warned about the "serious, potentially life-changing, risks of taking or supplying illegal drugs" at outdoor music events.
Belfast City Council recently called for testing services to be brought in, but issues about laws and funding have resurfaced.
So, with the rising levels of drug-related deaths in Northern Ireland, external, concerns around drug-related anti-social behaviour in city centres, and calls for a "rethink" when it comes to tackling illegal drugs, is it time for drug testing?
Samples of drugs are sent away and substances tested for their chemical make up and strength - but there are differences in how the results are communicated back to the public.
Some festivals in GB and the Republic of Ireland operate "back-of-house" testing. That's where substances, either found in searches or deposited in amnesty bins outside, are tested.
If something potentially dangerous is found, a warning will go out to festival goers and health officials on site.
Electric Picnic in the Republic of Ireland operates drug testing facilities