The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a year-long pilot program introducing roadside drug tests aimed at curbing drug-impaired driving.
Officers will deploy £18 swab kits capable of detecting substances like cocaine and cannabis in under eight minutes.
These new tests, much like breathalyzers for alcohol, will be used at checkpoints across Northern Ireland.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones emphasized the pressing need for this program, noting the sharp rise in road fatalities.
“Since January, we’ve lost 46 lives on our roads—far too many,” she said. “These drug wipes will help us hold drivers accountable, keeping our roads safer for everyone.”
The initiative is backed by new legislation enabling officers to conduct these tests on the spot.
Department for Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd highlighted the importance of this step, referencing the alarming average of one road death per week in Northern Ireland.
“In 2023 alone, drugs or alcohol contributed to 11 fatalities. It’s a heartbreaking toll,” he said.
The PSNI hopes this program will deter drug-impaired driving and reduce the tragic consequences on the region’s roads.
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