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Police plea for drug-drive test kits

A senior police officer says the number drivers being caught under the influence of drugs in the Highlands is 'soaring' - but fears that police are still only seeing the 'tip of the iceberg'.

Northern Constabulary's head of operations, chief superintendent Bruce Duncan, is calling for more sophisticated testing to be introduced.

In the 12-month period until April 2006, officers in the region detected and detained 24 drivers believed to be under the influence of drugs. In the three-month period until July this year 11 drivers were detained - the same three months last year brought just three arrests.

Chief supt Duncan would like to see his officers have access to a more comprehensive method of detecting those driving under the influence of illegal and prescription drugs. "The current series of tests, which involve assessing a driver's physical demeanour and ability to perform certain tasks, makes detecting low levels of drug impairment difficult. A roadside drug screening device would be an improvement and more scientific."

For the full story go to: http://www.highland-news.co.uk

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