An investigation by two regional newspaper reporters uncovered evidence of drugs use at landmark public buildings in Leeds.

Yorkshire Evening Post reporters Sam Casey and Laura Bowyer used swab tests to uncover traces of cocaine in public toilets at the Civic Hall which is the headquarters of Leeds City Council, as well as Leeds City Museum.

The paper is now publishing a series of features on the issue of drug use in the city under the banner ‘Drugs: The evil trade destroying lives.’

The pair used swab testing kits provided by a company that provides diagnostic health care products to the NHS, at 10 public buildings. The kits contain a light pink wipe that turns blue on contact with cocaine traces.

Said Sam: “We were planning a series of features about drugs issues in Leeds and wanted a story that had some impact for the launch piece. Obviously we had no idea whether we’d get any positive results but thankfully, from a news point of view, the end justified the means.”

He added that the reaction from readers had been mixed. While some were surprised at the results- especially that the Civic Hall toilets had cocaine traces – others questioned whether it was worth a story at all.

Added Sam: “Perhaps that just shows how blase people have become about the extent of drug use in our city.”

The Post has already published a piece on the launch of a special clinic for young people using so-called ‘party’ drugs such as ketamine and examined the impact of drug use on the health of addicts.

The chief executive of the council, Tom Riordan, thanked the newspaper for bringing the findings to the authorities’ attention.

Said Tom: “All the toilets concerned are primarily used by the public, as demonstrated by how easily the YEP reporters were able to access them, although those in the Civic Hall are also used by staff and others associated with the council.”

The police also thanked the Post for bringing the findings to their attention.