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Truck drivers caught in drug driving tests

Despite efforts within the transport industry to stamp out the use of drugs, figures released by the Queensland Police Service

Despite efforts within the transport industry to stamp out the use of drugs, figures released by the Queensland Police Service show there are still some drivers flaunting the rules.

Queensland Police Minister Judy Spence says 83 drivers have tested positive in random roadside drug tests since they were introduced on December 1 last year, in the period through to June 3.

Of these, 29 were driving heavy vehicles at the time they were tested, making up more than one third of all positive results.

“Police have conducted more than 5,800 tests across the state and so far 1 in 75 drivers are testing positive,” Spence says.

“Drivers testing positive show the presence of illicit drugs Speed, Ice, Ecstasy or Cannabis in their systems.

According to Spence, 31 matters are currently before the courts, and a further 9 offenders have already been found guilty of drug driving.

“In January this year, a Brisbane Magistrate fined a male driver $300, disqualified him from driving for 2 months and placed him on 6 months probation – after the man pleaded guilty to drug driving.

“Another male driver who pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court in March, was dealt a hefty $1000 fine and disqualified from driving for 6 months.

“These penalties serve as a strong warning to all drivers – we take a zero-tolerance approach to driving under the influence of illicit drugs.

“The Roadside Drug Testing Unit has conducted 33 operations with regional police in the past 6 months.

“The operations have targeted a range of traffic areas, in metropolitan Brisbane and the Gold Coast, regional areas like Millmerran, Toowomba, Gin Gin and Maryborough, and in North Queensland tourist spots like Proserpine and Airlie Beach.

“The message is clear – drivers can be drug tested by police in any part of Queensland, and anyone caught breaking the law will face the consequences,” Spence says.

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