Swab tests show drugs in drivers' systems
Hedland police are now equipped with roadside drug testing kits which can reveal if there is cannabis or methamphetamine in a driver's system.
Two drivers tested positive for illicit substances on the first night police began conducting the tests last week.
South Hedland police senior constable Neil Clarke said he was hopeful the introduction of the new test kits would discourage people from driving while on drugs.
"(Cannabis and methamphetamine) are the main drugs that are a problem around this area," he said.
"The Pilbara is the last region in Western Australia to obtain the (roadside) tests. Karratha are getting very good results out of (their roadside testing), so it's definitely something that is going to be used more now that we have the ability to."
Karratha police began their roadside drug testing in September and reported 38 positive tests out of 94 in the first month of their use.
The drug testing kits look similar to a pregnancy test and require drivers to place their tongue on a swab.
Within 30 seconds, two lines will appear if a driver has tested positive for illicit drugs.
If the result is positive, further testing is conducted on a machine at South Hedland Police Station and results are sent to a laboratory to determine the presence of drugs.
