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veggie

Registered: 07/25/04
Posts: 17,504
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One in 50 drivers on drug ecstasy [AU]
#5352081 - 03/01/06 02:37 AM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
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One in 50 drivers on drug ecstasy March 1, 2006 - news.com.au
SECRET police tests have caught up to 300 motorists driving under the influence of ecstasy.
The shock results have persuaded the Bracks Cabinet to include ecstasy in new roadside drug-drive test laws introduced in State Parliament yesterday.
The new laws will come into force from July 1.
Harsher penalties for drug-drivers, extra drug testing buses and equipment to enable booze buses to also test for drugs are also being considered.
Saliva samples taken from more than 13,000 motorists during a year-long trial of random roadside drug checks for amphetamines and cannabis were also tested for ecstasy.
Up to 300 drivers tested positive for ecstasy ? 25 for ecstasy alone and more than 200 for both ecstasy and amphetamines.
The 25 drivers who tested positive to ecstasy alone escaped prosecution as the tests had no legal standing because of uncertainty over the accuracy of saliva testing for ecstasy at the time the trial began.
Drivers who tested positive for ecstasy and amphetamines ? often the result of ecstasy being laced with speed ? were prosecuted for driving under the influence of amphetamines.
It was revealed yesterday that police checked 13,176 drivers during the world-first trial of random roadside tests, with 287 drivers ? one in 46 ? testing positive for amphetamines, 19 for cannabis and 69 for both.
Police Minister Tim Holding said roadside drug tests would now be a permanent part of road safety arsenal.
Mr Holding said existing penalties ? which are softer than for drink-driving offences ? were inadequate and would be toughened to ensure they reflected the seriousness of the offence.
He confirmed improved technology and analysis of the trial results by the Monash University Accident Research Centre had persuaded the Government saliva tests could now be used to check for ecstasy.
"It doesn't matter whether they're attending a rave party, whether they're driving a truck or just a regular car user, we want all Victorians to get the message that, if they take drugs and get behind the wheel of a road vehicle they are a menace to themselves and to other drivers," Mr Holding said.
Under the drug-testing regime, all drivers whose roadside swabs return positive are forced from the road for 24 hours.
A second swab is sent for testing to identity the type of drug before penalties are issued.
A first offence currently incurs a $307 fine and three demerit points; subsequent offences a $1227 fine and up to a six-month loss of licence.
A first drink-driving offence attracts a fine of up to $1200 plus disqualification from driving for at least six months and up to 10 demerit points.
The penalty for subsequent offences include a fine of up to $2500 or up to three months' imprisonment, plus a minimum one-year loss of licence and use of an alcohol interlock device for at least six months.
There is still no reliable way to test for heroin or cocaine in saliva.
In 2003 more than one in three drivers killed on the road had a drug other than alcohol in them.
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Jim


Registered: 04/07/04
Posts: 20,922
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Re: One in 50 drivers on drug ecstasy [AU] [Re: veggie]
#5352084 - 03/01/06 02:41 AM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
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I can't wait to go to Australia!
-------------------- Use the Fucking Reply To Feature You Lazy Pieces of Shit! afoaf said: Jim, if you were in my city, I would let you fuck my wife.
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blackout


Registered: 07/16/00
Posts: 5,266
Last seen: 2 months, 24 days
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Re: One in 50 drivers on drug ecstasy [AU] [Re: Jim]
#5353155 - 03/01/06 11:01 AM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
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Wonder what limits would be in place. The test could be picking up drugs you took several months ago.
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RemainRandom50
Do You Need ToKnow Me?
Registered: 01/15/06
Posts: 1,695
Last seen: 14 years, 9 months
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Re: One in 50 drivers on drug ecstasy [AU] [Re: blackout]
#5353239 - 03/01/06 11:31 AM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
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and i thought DUI checks were bad enough. god what is this world coming too.
-------------------- At times I get consumed by my everyday life and will leave the Shroomery. Yet, every time drugs come falling into my life for fun.....I always think about the Shroomery and then I'm back!
Edited by RemainRandom50 (03/01/06 11:32 AM)
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koppie
astral projectile


Registered: 07/23/04
Posts: 2,653
Loc: cloud hidden
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Re: One in 50 drivers on drug ecstasy [AU] [Re: veggie]
#5357641 - 03/02/06 02:02 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
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In related news, all over Australia Road Rage is replaced by PLUR: "I couldn't believe it" one shocked Sydney motorist told our reporter. "I cut in front of this big trucker, and at the next red light he gets out of his truck, walks over to me and he pulls me out of my car. I thought he was going to kill me, but he hugged me instead! We've become great friends since."
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LiveByFreedom
Catalyst


Registered: 03/21/05
Posts: 652
Loc: Mountains
Last seen: 17 years, 5 months
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Re: One in 50 drivers on drug ecstasy [AU] [Re: koppie]
#5371182 - 03/06/06 03:03 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
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Funny, because personally, i drive a whole lot better while on mdma.
-------------------- "Everything is not as it seems." Eye
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