Dublin driver tests positive for cocaine as roadside drug testing begins
The first roadside preliminary drug tests took place last night in Dublin, with at least one driver testing positive for driving under the influence of drugs.
One checkpoint in Stillorgan set up as part of Operation Surround tested drivers, while officers from the Dublin Metropolitan Region stopped a driver on the N4 who subsequently tested for positive for driving under the influence of cocaine.
DMR Traffic -Driver stopped on N4, already disqualified for
10 years, failed roadside drug test, Court to follow. pic.twitter.com/2CHk3CpeE0— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) April 16, 2017
Operation Surround: N11 Stillorgan Motorists are
being tested for Drink and Drug Driving. All checks are for Intoxicant
Testing. pic.twitter.com/MO8Y6T1Yvt— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) April 15, 2017
The driver was also already disqualified from driving for 10 years.
The new testing system comes after the commencement of the drug driving provisions in the Road Traffic Act 2016.
Gardai can now establish checkpoints for testing drivers for drugs with similar powers to existing alcohol testing checkpoints.
This system for testing allows Gardaí to test a driver’s saliva for cannabis, cocaine, opiates (for example, heroin, morphine) and benzodiazepines (for example, Valium).
The drug testing checkpoint was the first of what is expected to be many over the course of the Easter weekend.
If you any questions about the new testing system check out the answers to the 27 most asked questions about the testing HERE
