NSW Police Launches Drug Testing Vans

THE NEW SOUTH WALES Police Force has today launched the first of five new drug testing vans, equipped to test motorists for the presence of drugs.

Minister for Police, Tony Kelly, said that the new vehicles will join the force's existing three roadside drug testing vans and five random breath testing vans.

Since roadside drug testing was first introduced in NSW in 2006, over 37,700 drug tests have been conducted and over 820 drivers have tested positive.

“These new vans will ensure that police have the best resources at their disposal to crack down on drug drivers,” Mr Kelly said.

“Police will eventually have eight modern, state-of-the-art vans on the road that can detect whether a driver is under the influence of drugs on the spot.

“Drug driving is a serious crime and any driver on drugs can seriously put the lives of other motorists at risk.”

Of the 820 drivers who tested positive for the presence of drugs, the majority came from combinations of cannabis, ecstasy and Methamphetamine.

• Close to 25% tested positive to Methamphetamine;
• Less than 20% tested positive to cannabis;
• Less than 10% tested positive to ecstasy.

The new vans are equipped with wireless Evidential Breath Analysis instruments, mobile data terminals, and storage for RDT samples.

“These vans are a highly effective tool in catching those who continue to flaunt the law and put lives at risk,” Mr Kelly said.

“These vans give police the ability to test drivers on the spot for the presence of cannabis, speed, ice, crystal meth and ecstasy.”

[Image note: No photos as yet available of drug test vans]