Highland MSP presses for police 'drugalysers'
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A HIGHLAND MSP is pressing the Scottish Government to introduce drug field testing kits - drugalysers - for use by the police.
The devices can test at the roadside for cocaine and cannabis.
They are currently used by police forces in England and Wales where there has been a dramatic increase in the detection rate of drug drivers.
Now Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart wants to see the equipment issued to Police Scotland officers.
He said: "In Scotland Police Officers only have the Field Impairment Test (FIT) to help detect offences, while in England and Wales Police Officers have access to road side drug testing kits, so-called drugalysers, which are relatively cheap and have a proven record, helping increase the detection rate in England and Wales from 52 per cent in 2012 to 95 per cent currently.
"In Scotland, police have to prove the driver’s ability was impaired and they do this by elements contained within the FIT test.
"In England and Wales Police can screen for eight illegal drugs with a ‘low limit’ and eight prescription drugs with a ‘higher limit’, including methadone and morphine.
"The roadside devices can screen at the roadside for cannabis and cocaine with devices at the police station being able to screen for the other drugs referred to. Work is on going to develop the roadside devices that can screen for more drugs. "
Mr Stewart has today lodged two Parliamentary Question asking the Scottish Government what plans they had for the introduction of drugs field testing kits for the use by Police Scotland officers.
He has also asked whether they were considering setting drug driving limits.
In addition, the MSP has written to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland about the matter.
