Wodonga police detected eight drug-drivers from Wednesday to yesterday.

In one case, a Wodonga woman, 38, travelling with her child, tested positive for methamphetamine and cannabis. 

Her child had to be picked up by another person on Wednesday night as she was taken to the police station. 

The drivers were detected during normal police operations, not targeted operations. 

Sgt Cameron Roberts said most of those caught were positive for amphetamine, which included ice.

“It hangs around in the system,” he said.

“They can test positive a day or two later.”

Sgt Roberts said some people admitting using, but not on at the time — it was common for them to say they hadn’t had anything that day.

“How many days it goes back is open and varied,” he said.”

The state government recently said the number of drivers tested for methamphetamine would be doubled.

“We welcome that campaign,” Sgt Roberts said.

He said the North East’s rate for drug driving offences was “significantly higher” than the state average.

“There are a number of people caught due to the residual nature of these drugs,” he said.

“But apart from the fact they shouldn’t be taking this stuff anyway, it’s not legal or appropriate at any level.

“It’s made even worse when they get behind the wheel.”