POLICE are cracking down on drug drivers with a new test that can show an indication of drugs in three minutes.

Gwent Police are now testing drivers for drugs on the roadside using a device called ‘DrugWipe’.

Testing a saliva sample, the test can identify drugs like cannabis and cocaine within as little as three minutes.

A positive test is indicated by the appearance of red lines on the device, similar to a pregnancy test.

If the test gives a positive reading officers will take the motorist to a police station for a blood test, which will be used in any prosecution.

The Home Office estimates as many as 200 people a year are killed by drivers impaired by drugs, and Gwent Police say that this device is a big step towards bringing more drug driving criminals to justice, helping them to save lives. Since its introduction, 333 DrugWipes have been used with 190 positive detections.

59 drivers have been disqualified for periods between 12 and 48 months, with a total disqualification period of just over 94 years.

Several have been caught two or three times with one person stopped on two consecutive days. 26 are still awaiting court dates and 35 are waiting for results from the lab.

The most common age group is 17-25 year old males; with the most popular drug being cannabis.

Inspector Matthew Havard said: “These results are giving us a more accurate picture of the extent of drug driving. Those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs not only put their own lives and passengers at risk, but also those of innocent pedestrians and other motorists. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t take drugs and drive.

“Driving is a privilege and not a right. We will stop you. Think about what that would mean for you.”