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GARDAI in Kerry say there has been in an rise in people detected for driving under the influence of drugs and they are increasing their roadside checkpoints.
Speaking on Radio Kerry’s ‘Talkabout’ show yesterday, Garda Eoghan Walsh said they had three detections in the one night last Thursday between 5pm and midnight.
They were arrested and taken to Tralee Garda Station where blood samples were taken and files are now being prepared for the DPP.
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He said they now have the capability to test for cocaine, opiates, benzodiazepines and cannabis at these checkpoints.
Garda Walsh said some drugs can remain in the person’s system for a day or two after consumption and to be mindful of this before getting behind the wheel of a car because they are putting lives at risk.
He said they are conducting more and more mandatory intoxicant checkpoints in Tralee and the surrounding areas. The test itself takes about eight minutes to yield results and involves taking a saliva sample from the driver.
