PSNI Introduces New Drug-Testing Kits For Roadside Checks

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has unveiled new drug-detection kits as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure road safety. The Road Policing Unit is piloting a 12-month program that will equip specially trained officers with DrugWipes, a rapid test for cannabis and cocaine.

The new roadside drug-testing kits will complement existing alcohol testing procedures. Officers will be able to use a mouth swab to check for traces of drugs in a driver's saliva. A positive result will be indicated by a red line on the test.

The PSNI aims to enhance road safety and reduce the number of drug-impaired drivers on the roads through this initiative. By expanding testing capabilities, the police hope to deter drug use and hold offenders accountable.

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones, who is responsible for the PSNI'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."

Department for Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd recently launched the Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030 and the Road Safety Strategy Action Plan 2024/25, which includes a review of current drug-driving legislation.

Department for Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "The launch of this roadside drugs-test tool is timely.

"In the North, the death rate on our roads is, on average, one per week. It's a shocking statistic and the devastation every road death leaves in its wake knows no boundaries.

"In 2023, 11 people were killed in road traffic collisions where alcohol or drugs were attributed.

"As road users we must do everything we can – both individually and collectively – to reduce road deaths.

"The addition of roadside drug detection to the PSNI tool kit to the fight against illegal road behaviours will hopefully make people think before driving under the influence of drugs."