Evidence from forensic scientists is used in evaluating a suspected drug driving case. The other key players in the process are the police officer and the police surgeon. A suspect drug driver would be arrested and a specimen of blood or urine taken for forensic analysis. The drug groups usually tested for are amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines. Factors affecting the effects of a drug on an individual are discussed. A positive detection is likely to provide firm supporting evidence for a prosecution in a case of drug driving. A trial has been conducted of two drug-screening devices (Drugwipe and Cozart Rapiscan). Public reaction to such devices was good. This paper was presented at the British Association of Science, 3 September 2001, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract