The Australian Capital Territory will change into just the third jurisdiction to detect cocaine in roadside drug tests from midnight tonight, in a bid to raised protect road users in Canberra.
As of January 1, 2025, cocaine will have the option to be detected in oral fluid tests conducted on the roadside by cops.
Until now, ACT Policing has only been capable of test for cannabis, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy), though cocaine use within the territory has surged following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Motorists found to be driving under the influence of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs face fines of as much as $4000 (with 25 penalty units price $160 each) and a six-month default licence disqualification.
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The adoption of testing for cocaine comes seven years after it was added to the Recent South Wales Police arsenal in early 2018, while the Queensland Police Service followed suit in July 2023 after a rise in drivers testing positive for the drug during the last five years.
When Queensland introduced cocaine testing, it said drug tests are intended to detect the mere presence of medicine, which “shouldn’t be present in an individual’s saliva in any concentration”.
As of September 1, 2024, motorists who return a positive roadside oral test for drugs in Recent South Wales could be placed under arrest, as a substitute of needing to be taken to a police station or nearby testing bus.
In response to the National Road Safety Partnership Program – delivered by Monash University’s Accident Research Centre – 1 / 4 of drivers killed in road crashes had drugs aside from alcohol of their system.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
