Gwent Police have disqualified 135 drivers for getting behind the wheel whilst on drugs since they started using a roadside test known as a ‘DrugWipe’ in May last year.

The test uses a saliva sample to detect the use of drugs such as cannabis and cocaine.

It gives a valid reading within eight minutes and, if positive, officers will take the motorist to a police station for a blood test, which will be used in any prosecution.

The total disqualification period adds up to 216 years and 10 months, with many drivers still waiting on test and court results.

Recent cases include a 26-year-old driver, who was stopped on Tabernacle Road, Fforest Coalpit, being disqualified for 24 months and receiving a 12 week prison sentence suspended for 18 months after his sample detected four different drugs.

Inspector Huw Jones said, “These results, continual arrests and convictions are helping us to ultimately keep our roads safe and save lives.

“Those who get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drugs not only put their own lives and passengers at risk, but also those of innocent pedestrians and other motorists.

“We’ve recently had a delivery of even more tests so officers will be using these to crack down on this unacceptable behaviour and take serious action.”