Police didn’t follow usual procedures with Addo-Carr drug testing

Police have said they were unable to follow usual roadside drug testing procedures when they pulled over Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr because officers received an urgent call to an attempted home invasion.

Addo-Carr has volunteered to stand himself down from Sunday’s finals match against Manly after he allegedly returned a positive reading to cocaine during a random roadside drug test on Friday night. However, his lawyer has said he maintains he did not take any illegal drugs at any time.

In a statement, NSW Police explained their usual roadside drug testing process, which is that a preliminary test using a drug wipe is undertaken and the driver can drive away if the test returns a negative result.

A drug wipe can be used on saliva or sweat to test for traces of drug residue. If there is a positive indication on the drug wipe, the person must provide a sample of oral fluid, which is collected and sent for forensic analysis.

“The driver is then subjected to a further test using a second drug wipe. If the second drug wipe returns a negative result, the driver will be able to leave without being issued a 24-hour driving prohibition,” the statement read.

“However, if the second drug wipe returns a positive indication, they will be issued a 24-hour driving prohibition.”

Josh Addo-Carr has volunteered to stand himself down from this weekend’s finals match against Manly.Credit: NRL Photos

The results of the oral fluid sample – which can take several days – are what determines whether criminal charges will be laid.

Addo-Carr’s lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, told this masthead his client was allowed to drive away from the scene after one test, understood to be the first drug swipe, returned a positive result for cocaine and a secondary test, understood to be the oral fluid test, was taken and sent away for analysis.

Asked by this masthead why Addo-Carr was allowed to drive away after allegedly returning a positive test, a NSW Police spokesperson confirmed the usual process of two drug wipes and an oral fluid sample was not followed due to an urgent call-out.

“About 10.45pm on Friday, officers attached to Auburn Police Area Command were patrolling Baywater Drive, Wentworth Point, when they stopped a Toyota hatchback for random testing,” the spokesperson said.

Bulldogs general manager Phil GouldCredit: Nick Moir

“The driver – a 29-year-old man – was subject to a roadside breath test which returned a negative result. The driver underwent a preliminary drug wipe, which allegedly returned a positive indication.”

The spokesperson said an oral fluid sample was obtained and sent for further analysis.

“At this time, an urgent call for assistance was received in relation to a reported attempted home invasion on Church Street, Lidcombe, about 10.54pm,” they said.

“A secondary drug wipe was not conducted as officers were required to respond to the urgent call.”

The spokesperson said Auburn Police Area Command has reviewed the incident and is satisfied with the actions of the officers involved.

They said the investigation into Addo-Carr is ongoing, as police await the results of the forensic analysis. No charges have been laid at this time.