Rugged road for

POLICE will double the number of random drug tests they conduct over the next three years as the Roadside Drug Testing program expands state-wide.
Around 20,000 drivers are tested for drugs every year, with police expected to double the amount to around 40,000 by the end of 2012.
The roadside drug testing devices test for illicit drugs including speed, ice, ecstasy and cannabis.
Deputy Commissioner for Road Policing Ken Lay said drug drivers were an emerging problem for police.
In the 2008-2009 financial year, 22,998 roadside drug tests were conducted with 341 offenders caught with an illicit substance in their system.
According to Mr Lay, this equates to a strike rate of 1 in 67.
Mr Lay said the expanded program, which includes the purchase of 25 additional testing devices, and 25,000 roadside drug test kits, will ensure that drugged drivers are targeted as frequently as drink drivers.
The drug testing process involves a preliminary test at the road side, similar to a breath-test for alcohol.
If the test returns a positive indication, the driver attends a drug bus or police car for a second test.
That sample is then sent for laboratory analysis. Once it is confirmed the sample contains an illicit substance, the driver is prosecuted.
“We’ll be running drug testing operations of a similar nature to booze bus operations,” Mr Lay said.
“Drivers will now be tested for drugs by police cars as well as drugs buses. Motorists can expect to be drug-tested anywhere, at anytime.”