Increase in incidents drug driving in the North

The number of drivers caught taking drugs in Northern Ireland has soared, police chiefs said today.

The number of drivers caught taking drugs in Northern Ireland has soared, police chiefs said today.

A total of 136 drug drivers were detected last year, an increase of 54 on the previous year.

Chief Inspector Brian Kee, deputy head of the PSNI Road Policing Development Branch, warned this was contributing to the carnage on the province's roads.

"Drug driving is killing people here. When blood was analysed from 86 drivers or motorcyclists killed on the roads last year, it was found that 10 drivers and two motorcyclists (14%) had consumed impairing drugs."

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Chief Insp McKee said the figure could rise, as some tests still had to be completed.

"The dangers posed by drink drivers are well known. But we are also determined to increase the pressure on drug driving.

"Tests on the 136 drivers or riders detected have revealed a range of drugs including cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, glue and amphetamines."

He added there was a tendency for people to mix drugs and drink, which made the risk of death on the roads even greater.

PA