The number of drug users in Limburg traffic doubled in the first three months of the year.
Let the police know.
Traffic control
Traffic checks in Limburg showed that in the first three months of last year 150 drivers tested positive for a saliva test that detects drugs. So far this year, 387 drivers have tested positive for the test.
Venray
It is striking that the figures are particularly high in the north of the province. Most violations this year took place in the working area of the basic teams Venray (119), Echt (60), Parkstad (40), Venlo (31) and Roermond (25).
The police do have an explanation for the high figures in Venray. “To start with, it is a very large area,” says police spokeswoman Nathalie Vermeulen. “But it also depends on the reporting pattern. Most drug tests take place at the weekend, and there must be time between regular reports to also pay attention to this, for example with preventive checks.”
Maastricht
According to the police, in a nightlife city such as Maastricht, there is less time for preventive checks at the weekend. “Maastricht has its own public order problems at the weekend, which makes it a little less obvious to hold preventive checks.”
saliva test
Since 2017, the police may take a saliva test if a road user is suspected of drug use. If the saliva test is positive, a blood sample is taken. In 85 to 90 percent of the tests, blood tests determine that the road user has indeed used drugs.
Lost driver’s license
The Netherlands Forensic Institute or another forensic laboratory investigates the concentration of the drugs. This makes it clear whether the person has used more drugs than is allowed. The limit value varies per drug and also depends on whether several types of drugs have been used, whether or not in combination with alcohol. Has someone used too many drugs in traffic? Then the Public Prosecution Service (OM) can prosecute the motorist and the Central Bureau for Driving Proofs can take measures, such as withholding the driver’s license.