PSNI introduces roadside drug testing in Northern Ireland

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) introduces roadside tests to detect drug driving.

This is an initial 12-month pilot programme across Northern Ireland in which officers will use new swab test kits on drivers to detect the presence of cocaine and cannabis.

The kits, which cost £18, take eight minutes to produce a result.

They can be used at checkpoints in a similar way to breathalyzers to detect drunk driving.

According to the PSNI, new laws are needed to enable this step.

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones, who is in charge of the PSNI's operational support branch, said: “Driving under the influence of drink or drugs dramatically increases the risk of an accident.”

Since January, 46 people have died on Northern Ireland's roads.

This number is far too high and we must work together to ensure mutual safety,” she said.

“With these drug wipes, we can target people who consume illegal drugs while driving. We can ensure that they are punished to the full extent of the law for their lack of consideration for the safety of their fellow citizens,” she added.

John O'Dowd, Minister for Infrastructure, said: “The introduction of this roadside drug test comes at the right time.”

“In the north, the number of fatalities on our roads is on average one per week. This is a shocking statistic and the devastation that each fatality leaves behind knows no bounds.”

“In 2023, 11 people died in traffic accidents involving alcohol or drugs.”