Celebrating success of locally-based international science company - HARRIS

12.01.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 10th Nov 2006

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Dr Evan Harris, is today visiting internationally successful local business, Cozart, to look at tests developed by the company for customers including the UK Home Office designed to allow rapid drug testing of individuals.

Dr Evan Harris, Liberal Democrat science spokesman, welcomed the opportunity to see the work of Cozart:

"It is good to see a global business such as Cozart locate its headquarters in Oxford and I welcome the opportunity to see the first-class science research that is being carried out here."

Dr Harris's visit will include seeing tests the company has developed which rapidly identify the presence of Class A drugs, such as heroine, cocaine or crack cocaine, in saliva, as well as testing for amphetamine, methamphetamine, Morphine and Cannabis. These tests are designed to quickly check people arrested for other 'trigger' offences such as robbery or burglary and, if they test positive, ensure they are immediately referred for treatment.

Dr. Christopher Hand, Managing Director of Cozart, said;

"We are delighted that Dr Evan Harris will be visiting Cozart on 10 November. Dr Evan Harris has visited Cozart previously and we are looking forward to showing him not only our new facilities but the multiple ways in which Cozart has expanded since his last visit."