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Suffolk police receive extra £120,000 to spend on drug wipe kits as force cracks down on drug drivers
Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore and Pc Paul Fletcher. Picture: ADAM HOWLETT - Credit: Archant
An extra £120,000 is to be spent on drug wipe kits as Suffolk police cracks down on those driving under the influence.
The kits allow officers to analyse a sample of a driver’s saliva sat the roadside, checking for a number of substances including cocaine, heroin and cannabis.
Between April and October, 1050 were tested for drugs by officers from Suffolk Constabulary, with a total of 331 coming back positive for drugs.
Suffolk Roadsafe partners agreed to make the £120,000 to support the force’s campaign to get drug drivers off the county’s roads.
Mr Passmore said: “I am very pleased to support Roadsafe’s decision to financially support drug driving enforcement in the county. “It saddens me that despite the obvious dangers, too many drivers still take to the road unfit to drive.
“All drivers need to understand that drug – and drink - driving risks lives and the lives of others, it is grossly irresponsible and selfish.
“This cavalier attitude to safety is completely unacceptable and I urge drivers to take heed.
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He added: “One of the other things that can come up in drug testing is people not being aware there are prescription drugs you cannot drive while taking.
“I think some of that is brought on by ignorance so always read the leaflet with medication and be careful.
“If you are advised not to drive while taking prescription drugs, you must not do it.
“Sentencing for drug driving is very similar to drink driving with a maximum, if it causes a death or serious injury, of 14 years in prison.
“We have made a conscious decision tackle this issue because keeping our roads safe and moving is critical to our economy.
“These people who drink or drug drive are remarkably selfish and have total contempt for other people’s safety.
“I think it is disgraceful.
“As far as I am concerned the sooner they are removed from the road for a jolly long time the better.”
