Test used to detect cannabis at roadside after officers smell drug

The kit, used to detect cocaine and cannabis, opens to reveal two small pads on either end of a stick which is then brushed against a suspect’s tongue.

After eight minutes the officer dealing with the wipe will see two small lines in a window on the stick which confirms the suspect is positive.

If the line remains as a single, the result is negative.

Using a recent case as an example, Wiltshire Police cited Murad Ozdemir, 25,who appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on September 23 and pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of drugs.

Ozdemir - or Odze as he was called in court - was driving a Ford Focus in Whitworth Road on Monday, July 13, when he was stopped by Wiltshire Police officers on patrol. He was found not to possess an MoT.

However, while talking to Ozdemir, officers could smell cannabis coming from the car.

“The officer saw that his pupils were dilated and carried out a drug wipe screening test which came back positive,” said Sergeant Warren Knight from Wiltshire Police.

Ozdemir was then arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle while over the drug limit.

He was taken to Gablecross police station where he provided a specimen of blood.

The result of the blood test showed that he had cannabis in his system at a level of 2.1 microgrammes per litre of blood, which is over the prescribed limit.

Ozdemir, from Swindon,was fined £120 plus £200 court costs and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

“This shows that you should never take drugs and drive. With the new legislation and the drug wipes kits you have much more chance of getting caught,” said Sergeant Knight.

“The message from us is perfectly clear - if you drive having taken drink or drugs, you will be caught.

“Anyone who has concerns about someone they believe may be drug driving should call the police on the non emergency number 101 and give as many details as you can, like vehicle details and direction of travel.”