Staff drug tested after substance found on oil rig

OVER 100 offshore workers have been tested for drugs after an ‘unknown substance’ was discovered on a North Sea platform.

The Piper Bravo platform, where the suspect packages were found. Picture: Alan Bruce/Flickr

A white powder was reportedly found on a stairwell on the Piper Bravo rig on Saturday May 17.

Medical staff were flown to the platform the following day to carry out the tests on all staff on the rig.

Around 150 staff are believed to have been working on the installation over the weekend.

The rig’s owners, Talisman Sinopec Energy UK confirmed that police were also carrying out an investigation.

A spokesman said: “Following the discovery of an unknown substance on the Piper Bravo platform, we contacted Police Scotland on Saturday.

“In line with our company procedure, all personnel on board have undergone substance-testing by medics.

“As this matter is being dealt with by Police Scotland, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

“Talisman Sinopec Energy UK operates a zero tolerance approach to illegal substances.”

Police Scotland confirmed that they had been made aware of the discovery, with a spokesperson adding: “Several packages have been given to us and are currently undergoing specialised testing.”