Drug tests positive for nearly half of drivers

Patrol Insp Wes Watkins said police were stepping up awareness of drug-driving

People as young as 16 are testing positive for drug-driving, police have said.

Figures from Devon and Cornwall Police showed that, out of 1,245 drivers who were tested between 1 January and 30 June 2025, nearly half (45%) had illegal substances in their system.

The youngest male was a 16-year-old in Newquay who tested positive for cannabis, and the youngest female was a 18-year-old in Newton Abbot who tested positive cocaine.

Patrol Insp Wes Watkins, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "Drug-driving is present along with drink-driving. We've focused a lot on alcohol over the years, we haven't necessarily put the message out there quite so much around the drug-driving aspect."

He said drug-driving "brings its risks" to other drivers on the road, putting themselves, their passengers and other road users at risk.

Officers use a DrugWipe device to swab the inside of the mouth to test for cannabis and cocaine

Devon and Cornwall Police said they had trained an extra 60 front-line officers in south Devon to allow them to carry out drug screening at the roadside.

Officers use a DrugWipe device to swab the inside of the mouth to test for cannabis and cocaine.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said drug-driving was a growing problem and people do not realise the consequences.

"The drugs wipe is an initial measure and that's then followed up later.

"So, anyone under the influence basically could be prosecuted.

"You'd normally lose your licence for at least a year, there are unlimited fines and it could lead to prison for up to five years."

'Poor decisions'

Insp Watkins said drug-driving was particular a concern in the run-up to Christmas.

"So, for me, especially as we enter the festive season, with all the parties that are happening now, the dark, wet, cold nights, my concern is there's more likelihood people will make those poor decisions having used drugs or consumed alcohol," he said.

"I just want them to be aware that, as well the alcohol testing we will also have the ability to check for certain drugs."

In 2024, Devon and Cornwall Police said officers arrested 11 people for drink-driving on Christmas Day, with one man testing positive for cocaine.