South Australia Police to start roadside drug testing for cocaine

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South Australia Police will start testing for cocaine during roadside drug tests in early 2025. Cocaine will be added to the list of illicit substances checked along with cannabis, MDMA, and methamphetamine. The state recorded 31 road fatalities and 112 serious injuries in 2023 due to drivers testing positive for drugs. Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens stated that serious crashes involving drivers with cocaine in their system have increased, leading to overconfidence, aggression, risk-taking behaviours, and impaired vision. Drug drivers in South Australia could face severe penalties including fines, license disqualification, demerit points, and potential vehicle impoundment. New South Wales and Queensland have already started screening for cocaine, with Victoria Police intending to include it in their roadside drug testing program. The latest Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Drug Monitoring report shows a rise in cocaine consumption in Australia since 2016.

Brands mentioned: Holden.