South Australia Police (SAPOL) are set to target drivers who consume cocaine before driving.
Drug testing currently used by police detects methamphetamine, cannabis and MDMA (ecstasy), but from early 2025 cocaine will be added to this list.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said cocaine effects may last a short time but can be detected up to 24 hours after consumption.
"In 2023, 31 lives lost and 112 serious injuries on South Australian roads were due to driver or rider testing positive to drugs" Commissioner Stevens said.
"The number of serious crashes involving drivers with cocaine has increased in the past five years. Between 2018 and 2023, cocaine was implicated in nine fatal crashes – this is unacceptable. It is crucial that drug testing includes cocaine to keep these dangerous drivers from our roads."
Cocaine hydrochloride is a central nervous system stimulant that speeds up the brain and has serious and negative effects on driving.
"We know that consumption of cocaine can lead to overconfidence and aggression, reduced inhibition, increased risk-taking behaviours, agitation and loss of concentration, delusion, and affected vision, all traits you don't want in a person driving," Commissioner Stevens said.
The latest Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission National Wastewater Drug Monitoring report (released two weeks ago) reveals the national average cocaine consumption for capital cities and regional areas was at the highest level since reporting began in August 2016. The increase in cocaine seizures also indicates it is a readily available drug in our community.
The drug screening has operated in New South Wales since January 2018 and in Queensland since July 2023. In Queensland, more than 300 cocaine offenders were caught within the first six months of the technology adoption.
Random drug testing (RDT) has been in operation in South Australia since 1 July 2006 and up to 50,000 tests are conducted each year.
"The new drug test will reinforce our existing capabilities and become the new norm for our random drug testing campaigns, including the blitz operations conducted throughout the year," Commissioner Stevens said.
Acting Minister for Police Susan Close said the expanded test would help save lives and remove more dangerous drivers from the road immediately.
"This sends an even clearer message to those who choose to use drugs and put others at risk behind the wheel," Minister Close said.
"It builds on the Government's drug driving reforms that allow officers to strip dangerous motorists of their licence as soon as they are caught."
SAPOL will soon go to tender to identify suitable drug screening tests with this advanced capability. Once a tender has been selected, regulations changes are required for the testing to begin in early 2025.
Severe penalties apply to drivers who commit drug driving offences, along with the potential to immediately impound the vehicle. The penalty is a $849 fine, a $102 victim of crime levy, a minimum of three months of disqualification, and four demerit points.
Refusing, or failing to comply to a random drug test is also an offence, incurring an immediate loss of licence for 12 months, six demerit points, and a court imposed penalty.
