POLICE have been shocked by the results of a Wodonga drug-driving blitz, with more than 70 per cent of drivers returning positive tests.
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Members of the Highway Patrol conducted Operation Sunrise over nine days in April and the results were recently released to The Border Mail.
The figures show of 34 drug tests conducted, 26 returned positive results — a strike rate of 76.5 per cent.
Cannabis was the most common drug detected with half testing positive, followed by nine positive results for amphetamine or MDMA, three positive results for a mix of cannabis and amphetamine or MDMA, and one driver refused to comply.
Police have increased their focus on drugged motorists and the results dwarf the number of people caught drink-driving.
Wodonga officers have continued to catch drug-drivers at a high rate following the operation, which followed Easter drug testing which saw about half of those tested return positive results.
Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said it was disappointing so many drivers were prepared to risk their lives, and the lives of others, by driving while drug affected.
“But it’s also a testament to our targeted enforcement,” he said.
“I’d be pleased if we were testing and not getting any results, but that’s not the case at the moment.
“There’s an increasing focus on drivers who are impaired by drugs and that will continue.
“As with drink-driving, any driver can be stopped at any time by a member of the police force in marked cars, in unmarked cars, in uniform or in plain clothes at any time of the day, any day of the week.
“If you’re going to take the chance to drive when you have drugs in your system, there’s every chance you will be detected.”
The tests often detect people days after they have used, with drugs like ecstasy and amphetamines staying in users’ systems for a lengthy period.
Police are becoming better resourced with more drug testing kits made available to officers.
“I welcome that the force is going to continue to rollout more preliminary oral fluid testing kits and maintain a high level of enforcement,” Superintendent O’Halloran said.
“The message must be one of prevention.
“If you’ve made a decision to take an illicit substance, that’s a poor decision in the first place.
“If you are then considering driving while under the influence of drugs, you’re not only placing your own life at risk, but there’s a risk to passengers and other road users.
“So you really need to think about the consequences of your actions.”