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The Police Service of Northern Ireland has unveiled new drug-detection kits as part of its Road Policing Unit’s commitment to policing together for safe, secure and efficient roads.
The roadside kit uses a mouth swab, with a red line appearing if the person has taken cannabis or cocaine.
This is an initial 12-month pilot programme across Northern Ireland, during which specially trained officers from the Road Policing Unit and District Support Teams will be able to use the DrugWipes.
This equipment is in addition to the existing testing available for alcohol levels.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones, who is responsible for the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Operational Support Department, said, “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will drastically increase the risk of causing a collision.
“Since January, sadly 46 people have lost their lives on our roads. That number is far too high and we must work together to keep each other safe.
“These DrugWipes will allow us to target those using illegal drugs while driving and ensure they face the full rigours of the law for their lack of care for the safety of fellow citizens.
“We are committed to continually improving road safety and robustly challenging those who recklessly risk the safety of road users and the wider public.
“We all share the responsibility to keep ourselves and other road users safe.”
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