The motorist was arrested and taken to Tralee Garda station.
A motorist failed a roadside drugs test for cocaine and benzodiazepines after they were spotted performing a “dangerous” overtaking manoeuvre in Kerry.
Having been spotted performing the dangerous manoeuvre by the Kerry Roads Policing Unit, the motorist in question was found to have cocaine and benzodiazepines in their system.
The motorist was arrested and a blood sample was taken at Tralee Garda Station.
Members of the Kerry RPU seen a car perform dangerous overtake. Driver was stopped and failed the road side drugs test for cocaine and benzodiazepines. Arrested and blood sample taken at Tralee Garda station.#ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/NnHF3ZbGl4
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) January 15, 2019
Following the introduction of a new drug testing policy in the Road Traffic Act 2016, since 13 April 2017, An Garda Síochána have the power to test the oral fluid of drivers for the presence of cannabis, cocaine, opiates (e.g. Morphine) and benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium) at the roadside or in a Garda station.
The penalty for drug driving is the same as for drink driving – a maximum fine of €5,000 and up to six months imprisonment on summary conviction.
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