In a groundbreaking initiative, the Arona Town Council are distributing 3,100 innovative drug-detecting bracelets during the Los Cristianos Carnival.
These user-friendly bracelets allow attendees to test their drinks by simply dipping a finger into the beverage and swiping it across the bracelet's built-in test area. Within moments, the test reveals its result: if it turns orange, it signals the presence of drugs in the drink.
Alexis Gómez, the Councillor for Festivities and Security, proudly introduced this first-of-its-kind measure in the Canary Islands, which aims to prevent incidents of chemical submission, offering festival-goers a simple way to ensure their drinks are safe.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Gómez said, "We know that one in three assaults is linked to chemical submission, and women are involved in nine out of ten cases. This device significantly improves the safety of our Carnival attendees."
Available at the 'Punto Violeta,' these 'sentinel bracelets' feature a QR code that not only serves as a geolocation tool but also grants access to an interactive resource guide. They are capable of detecting over 20 types of drugs with just a drop of the beverage, providing an early warning against potential dangers.
Specifically, the bracelet conducts two tests: the first can identify up to 22 different drugs, while the second targets GHB, the most common used chemical substance in sexual assault cases, which is a potent central nervous system depressant.
Also, the bracelet's connectivity with mobile phones enables it to automatically call emergency services or relevant authorities, reinforcing its role as a safety tool during the festivities.
