In an effort to make our roads safer for everyone, local Dumbleyung Police have recently undertaken training, in new roadside drug testing for drivers, in conjunction with Katanning and Wagin Police. The three stations are part of a trial of new drug testing kits and procedures which are likely to be rolled out statewide.
The new procedures provide a quick roadside saliva test for the existence of Cannabis and Amphetamines. The procedure is not invasive, with just a dab on the tongue needed initially. Where a positive test is recorded, a slightly more detailed test is conducted at the station which is sent off for analysis.
Where analysis reveals the presence of cannabis or amphetamines when driving, penalties will apply with an initial fine of up to $500 for the first offence. Second and subsequent offences will incur a licence suspension, court appearance and higher fines. Further fines and suspensions apply for refusing to be tested, or not complying with the instructions of the police officer when conducting the test.
Drivers can be tested randomly, but more often we will be targeting people who we reasonably believe are likely to have drugs in their system. This means if we have received information of a person who may be using drugs (and there are a few...), or a driver demonstrates signs of illicit drug use when we stop them, they can expect to be drug tested.
Positive tests will also lead to searches of vehicles and people in the car.
This is a new tool in both detecting drug use and distribution within the community in addition to making the roads safer for all of us. The surrounding police stations of Katanning and Wagin are working closely together and are already exchanging information and planning traffic operations to utilise this new tool.
As is always the case, should anyone have information on drug use and distribution in our community, we encourage you to let us know at the station, by phone or the below email. If you wish to remain anonymous, your information can be reported through Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Stay safe everyone!
Alby VAN DEN BERG - | Sergeant 9039 | Officer in Charge - Dumbleyung Police Station | 34-36 Absolon Street, Dumbleyung, WA 6350, PO Box 165 | Tel: (08) 9863 4143 | Fax: (08) 9863 4220 | Email: alby.vandenberg@police.wa.gov.au | Twitter: @DumbleyungPol
The new procedures provide a quick roadside saliva test for the existence of Cannabis and Amphetamines. The procedure is not invasive, with just a dab on the tongue needed initially. Where a positive test is recorded, a slightly more detailed test is conducted at the station which is sent off for analysis.
Where analysis reveals the presence of cannabis or amphetamines when driving, penalties will apply with an initial fine of up to $500 for the first offence. Second and subsequent offences will incur a licence suspension, court appearance and higher fines. Further fines and suspensions apply for refusing to be tested, or not complying with the instructions of the police officer when conducting the test.
Drivers can be tested randomly, but more often we will be targeting people who we reasonably believe are likely to have drugs in their system. This means if we have received information of a person who may be using drugs (and there are a few...), or a driver demonstrates signs of illicit drug use when we stop them, they can expect to be drug tested.
Positive tests will also lead to searches of vehicles and people in the car.
This is a new tool in both detecting drug use and distribution within the community in addition to making the roads safer for all of us. The surrounding police stations of Katanning and Wagin are working closely together and are already exchanging information and planning traffic operations to utilise this new tool.
As is always the case, should anyone have information on drug use and distribution in our community, we encourage you to let us know at the station, by phone or the below email. If you wish to remain anonymous, your information can be reported through Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Stay safe everyone!
Alby VAN DEN BERG - | Sergeant 9039 | Officer in Charge - Dumbleyung Police Station | 34-36 Absolon Street, Dumbleyung, WA 6350, PO Box 165 | Tel: (08) 9863 4143 | Fax: (08) 9863 4220 | Email: alby.vandenberg@police.wa.gov.au | Twitter: @DumbleyungPol
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