Tests carried out by the student newspaper Cherwell across several different university libraries in Oxford have revealed traces of cocaine.

Swabs taken over three days in the Oxford Union, the Old Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera, the Manor Road Building, the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, and the Oxford University Language Centre all tested positive for the drug, while four other sites showed no evidence of cocaine use. 

An anonymous survey of 650 Oxford students has accompanied the chemical tests in what is one of the largest investigations into drug use on a university site. Tests carried out in 2008 by the same newspaper revealed a similar result. Exeter and York universities have reported the same results in the past having performed chemical swabs.

The tests, thought to have an accuracy rate of 95 per cent, have revealed that most of the drug use was occuring in bathrooms in the university buildings.

Speaking to Cherwell following the release of these results, a spokesperson for the university claimed: “We do not believe there is a problem of widespread cocaine use at Oxford University, and note that the accuracy of the cocaine test swabs would probably not stand up as evidence in court. The findings are of concern, however, and the relevant University authorities have requested more information about how this investigation was carried out.

"The University advises those who are abusing any substance to seek help. There is a range of support available, promoted by the University, the colleges and the student union."

The makers of the chemical tests, having seen the results provided by Cherwell, have explained that it is wrong to assume that the traces could have come from contact with banknotes, which are infamous for the levels of drugs-traces found on them. 

The Oxford Union has expressed its anger at the discovery of traces of cocaine, with a spokesperson adding: “Any form of drug use on the premises of the Oxford Union constitutes serious misconduct and is absolutely not tolerated. [...] If an incident involving drug use is discovered, it is taken extremely seriously, and we co-operate closely with the police on the issue.”