POLICE are detecting “appalling” numbers of drug drivers in Wodonga as nearly half of all motorists tested return positive results.
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They have conducted 298 roadside tests for cannabis, amphetamine and MDMA since the start of July.
Of those tests, 131 were positive – or a strike rate of 44 per cent.
Wodonga Highway Patrol’s Senior Constable Ben Lowcock said there had been a dramatic rise in the number of drivers using amphetamine, including ice.
“We’re happy with the performance of our officers in detecting impaired drivers,” he said.
“But we’re fairly appalled at the incidence of detection we’re finding,” he said.
“Forty-four per cent is fairly horrific.
“They’re incapable of driving cars in a safe manner.
“They put everyone’s lives at risk, including their own and everyone else on the road.”
The detections are occurring at random times.
That included catching motorists both mid-week and on weekends.
A wide age range of offenders is being detected, including a 46-year-old Wodonga man and 41-year-old Rutherglen woman who recently returned positive results.
While cannabis is more prevalent, amphetamine detection is surging.
“It’s drawing close to even numbers of cannabis and amphetamine detection,” Senior Constable Lowcock said.
“Methamphetamine is definitely experiencing a dramatic rise.
“Most people caught say it’s not recent use.
“Very few of them are forthcoming with information.
“But the beauty of the tests is they don’t lie.”
Police are refining their techniques to catch drug drivers.
Officers are using an intelligence-based policing model to target certain areas and people likely to offend.
“We’re using intelligence gathered from either the police or the community,” Senior Constable Lowcock said.
“We’re using that to identify areas we need to target, be that people, premises, or demographic areas.”
Officers have detected 171 drug drivers in the wider region since July.
This covers areas including Wangaratta, Cobram and Beechworth.
Albury officers are yet to use full-time drug testing, but targeted substance-affected drivers during special campaigns.
Senior Constable Lowcock said the message was simple.
“Don’t drive,” he said.
“If you’re going to use it, don’t get behind the wheel.
“If my officers find you, they will test you and it will result in the loss of licence in the very least, if not jail time. There will be more targeted policing on areas needing attention, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.”
