Staff are safe-guarded against false allegations and it removes the opportunity of temptation or abuse by staff

Sergeant Nadim Mir

The drugs will be tested at local research institutes to ascertain exactly what substances are in circulation.

The father of drugs victim, Leah Betts, is launching the "drugs amnesty."

The scheme is to be piloted in nine dance venues based in Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood.

Clubbers will be searched on entry.

Any drugs found will be placed in a clearly marked sealable bag and placed directly into the safe.

Details of the person will then be entered into a special book, together with the quantity and description of the item.

The safes will have two locks, one key held by the owners and the other to be held by Greater Manchester Police.

Sergeant Nadim Mir, the force's drugs co-ordinator in Rochdale, said: "This unique initiative aims to take drugs out of circulation.

Dealers targeted

"It reduces the availability and experimentation of drugs.

"This will in turn reduce the amount of drug-related crime in and around the venue.

"Staff are safe-guarded against false allegations and it removes the opportunity of temptation or abuse by staff."

Sergeant Mir said that a clubber found with one or two tablets is more likely to receive advice and information than prosecution.

"We're targeting those who deal or supply drugs.

"We want to protect vulnerable youngsters who are trying drugs out from the risk they're putting themselves in."