Gardaí in the South East have made a roadside arrest with the new drug driving test.
The new device, similar to an antigen test, can test for a greater range of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, benzodiazepines, opiates, amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Its been launched as part of the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Siochana's Christmas and New Year road safety appeal.
The new preliminary drug testing device has been operational since Thursday 1st of December by An Garda Síochána who are undertaking an intensive six-week road safety enforcement campaign across the country to Christmas and New Year.
The primary goal will be to reduce the number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs.
They will be also targeting other road traffic offences such as mobile phone use, speeding and non-wearing of seatbelts.
The Wexford Road Policing Unit were conducting a checkpoint in New Ross using the new Drugwipe test when they stopped this driver.
They tested positive for cannabis and was arrested.
Court to follow. pic.twitter.com/WbnQp6nr94— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) December 8, 2022
The Wexford Road Policing Unit were conducting a checkpoint in New Ross when they stopped the driver.
The driver in New Ross tested positive for cannabis, was arrested and court proceedings are to follow.
Research by the RSA and An Garda Síochána revealed that over the last five years there were 86* fatalities and 765* serious injuries over the Christmas and New Year period.
