- WA Police has introduced new roadside drug-testing devices capable of detecting cocaine
- Enhanced technology strengthens testing for cocaine alongside THC, methylamphetamine and MDMA
- New development will help detect drug-impaired drivers and improve safety for all WA road users
Western Australian drivers with cocaine in their system will now be detected as part of new roadside drug testing, strengthening laws to identify drivers who are affected by illicit drugs.
The new testing is being rolled out by the Western Australian Police Force, giving officers greater capability to catch motorists under the influence of cocaine and ensure roads across the State are safe.
WA Police are already capable of testing for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), methylamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxy-n, alpha-dimethylphenylethylamine (MDMA), and will now use new multi-drug testing devices to detect cocaine in roadside testing.
This expansion strengthens WA Police capabilities in roadside drug testing to detect a broader range of illicit drugs and targets behaviour that puts other road users at risk across the metropolitan and regional areas in Western Australia.
The Cook Labor Government’s introduction of cocaine testing brings Western Australia into line with most other Australian jurisdictions and is another example of the commitment to keep road users across Western Australia safe.
For information on drug driving penalties – www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/drink-and-drug-driving
As stated by Police Minister Reece Whitby:
“There is no place for drug-impaired driving on Western Australian roads. If you get behind the wheel after taking cocaine or other illicit drugs, you put yourself and everyone else on the road at risk.
“Our Police have this new technology to detect cocaine in roadside testing, giving them another important tool to identify drivers who may be affected by illicit drugs.
“This is about preventing crashes, saving lives and making sure everyone can get home safely, so the message is simple, if you have taken cocaine or any illicit drug, don’t drive.”
As stated by Road Safety Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
“We know driving impaired is one of the leading causes of road trauma in Western Australia so it’s incredibly important we have new and innovative ways to stop drug driving.
“This latest technology will help make our community safer and reduce the impact road trauma has on so many Western Australians.
“People need to understand that driving impaired doesn’t just harm you and your loved ones, it has a widespread impact on the whole community.
“You could end your life or someone else’s in an instant, so we take this issue incredibly seriously and make no apologies for cracking down on this dangerous behaviour.”
