Qld police introduce random cocaine testing of motorists

Queensland drivers are being tested in random roadside drug tests as the state battles to combat the drug scourge - but not everyone is happy. HAVE YOUR SAY

For the first time, Queensland drivers will be tested for cocaine in random roadside drug tests as the state battles to combat the drug scourge.

Motorists busted behind the wheel while high could now be slapped with fines of up to $2167, lose their licence or face jail if repeatedly caught.

The Sunday Mail can reveal the random roadside drug testing for cocaine quietly started on Friday after the state government noted in its latest regulation update that improved saliva drug-kit technology had made it possible.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT - READ BELOW >>>

The decision to expand the testing system comes amid an increase in the number of serious crashes involving drivers testing positive for cocaine over the past five years and a horror road-toll spike.

Shocking figures reveal the three-year average of drug-drivers involved in a fatal crash with cocaine in their system increased from 4.3 per cent (2017-19) to 6.1 per cent (2020-22).

For drivers positive to cocaine involved in a serious injury crash, the two-year average almost doubled from 3.6 per cent (2018-19) to 7.1 per cent (2020-21).

Queensland’s random roadside drug testing program, which has run for 15 years, previously only detected methamphetamine, MDMA (better known as ecstasy), and cannabis through its active ingredient THC.

NSW has had cocaine on its list of detectable drugs for roadside tests since 2018.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said it was shocking that a quarter of the state’s 50,000 random roadside drug tests a year returned a positive reading.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey this week. Picture: Blair Jackson

He said the changes were timely considering the 2022 road toll and he made no apologies for “coming down hard”.

The addition of cocaine testing comes as part of the state’s crackdown on drug-driving as part of its road safety action plan, with Mr Bailey signalling there was more to come “in coming months”.

Queensland recorded the nation’s highest road toll in 2022, with 299 lives lost.

This was also the state’s highest in more than a decade and included 70 motorcyclists, 29 pedestrians and 12 people who died in floodwaters.

Queensland Police acting assistant commissioner Chris Stream said a total of 61 people died that year in crashes involving a driver or rider on drugs – nearly a fifth of the road toll.

“We’ll continue to encourage motorists to make smarter decisions by taking them off the road,” Mr Stream said.

“Expect to see police anywhere, anytime targeting drivers who are making the wrong choices.

“People must take individual responsibility for their safety, acknowledging that safe driving starts with the person behind the wheel.”

The latest Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission national drug report – released in March 2023 – found the nation consumed $1.1bn of cocaine, or 3.3 tonnes worth, in 2021-22.

Queenslanders using the drug consumed a total of 570.1kg of cocaine that year, down from a peak of 918.5kg in 2019--20.

Regionally, Queensland ranked second behind NSW for cocaine use.

The addition of cocaine to the testable drug list means police will use a new kit – the Securetec DrugWipe 3S.

The company’s website boasts of results in five minutes and detection of seven drug groups including cannabis, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, benzodiazepines and ketamine.

A Securetec drug testing kit

WHAT YOU THINK OF THE NEW ROADSIDE TEST

Ian

So we have the police resources to fine motorists but none to actually put crims away

Daniel

Gunna be a lot of unlicensed drivers in prison with big fines that won’t get paid

Adrian

Car accidents should involve drug testing so those found to be driving on drugs don’t have insurance coverage and are made to pay full compensation for their stupidity!

Roderick

I applaud the move but sadly feel that it will have minimal impact as the criminal element have no regard for laws and society and will just do it again the next day.

Scotty

A trace of snow in the blood does not correlate to road safety issues - so this is not the smartest approach. In fact, the law is fundamentally flawed.

sean

Please, no more wasting time gathering revenue when we know they won’t get heavy convictions. Start spending more on our escalating youth crime. I read in another article today that 12 months increase in home invasions from 3000 to 12000… seriously, but let’s ping someone rich who can afford to do cocaine on the weekend and get fined days later for a trace.. pathetic

Florry

Seriously do not know what has become of society in Australia people are feral and kids today are the worst generation so far how far with it go. You home, family, car and pets are not safe. How much worse can it get. The people that take drugs today is astounding.

Phillip

Caught driving on cocaine ??..should be instant jail time but will only be a fine and a warning..why bother

Andrew

NSW has had it since 2018, what took us so long to get it? Incompetence again.

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