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World-First Random Tests For Ecstasy
POLICE will charge Victorian motorists who test positive to ecstasy in a world-first crackdown on drug-driving.
Paul Anderson | News.com.au | 08/28/2006

From Friday, police will use new technology to prosecute drivers using the designer drug.

Ecstasy is included under new legislation ramping up penalties for drug drivers.

First-time offenders face fines up to $1300 and a six-month driving ban.

Until now, police have been able to charge drivers over cannabis and amphetamines, but not ecstasy.

In a world breakthrough, they have perfected the technology to detect the drug in saliva and blood samples.

It is estimated half of motorists who tested positive to amphetamines since drug-testing began in December 2004 also had ecstasy in their system. That equates to about 150 drivers.

Assistant Commissioner (Traffic) Noel Ashby warned ecstasy users they would face the full force of the law.

"It is war. We will get the people who endanger the lives of other Victorians off the roads," he said.

"We've been happy for it (the ecstasy legislation) to come along.

"We knew of the effect of cannabis on people.

"And we also knew that methamphetamine was . . . used heavily in the haulage industry, and also can be used at nightclub strips and places like that."
"We wanted to make sure everything was right," he said in relation to the testing.

"It's very important for us to go to court with strong facts.

"Testing of itself is a world first.

"We shared some interest last week from Ireland. Other jurisdictions around the world are now showing significant interest in our results.

"Again, I think there is no doubt that Victoria is a world leader.

"Part of having that mantle, it's also equally as important to make sure we do things properly and not rush in and run the risk of besmirching the program for want of doing things promptly."

Figures seen by the Herald Sun show more than 21,000 drivers were drug-tested in the 20 months to last week.

More than 6000 were truck drivers.

A total of 339 car drivers and 97 truckies were busted -- or one in 49.

That compares with one in 54 motorists caught drink-driving.

A breakdown of the drug results shows 300 tested positive to methamphetamine, 34 to cannabis and 102 to both. Five were caught for a second time.

Sixteen drivers have been charged with refusing to take a drug test.

Police Minister Tim Holding said drug-driving was as dangerous as drink-driving.

"In 2005, more than 40 per cent of drivers killed in Victoria tested positive to drugs other than alcohol," he said.

"Drug-taking can exacerbate the lethal effects of alcohol and fatigue.

"Many drivers also appear unaware of the effect illicit drugs can have on their levels of alertness and vigilance, and on their ability to quickly react to unexpected events."

Under the new penalties for drug-driving, second offenders face fines up to $6500 and a 12-month driving ban.

Those who commit further offences will be fined up to $13,000 and lose their licence for 12 months.

Penalties will also be increased for drivers who refuse to take a test.