Lack of detection equipment hampering drug-driving battle

Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche said there has been a 128% rise in the number of motorists found driving with drugs in their system this year.

While there is a threshold for alcohol, any motorist found with the slightest trace of an illegal drug such as cocaine is automatically breaking the law. File image

Gardaí are unable to crack down on motorists driving while under the influence of cocaine and other drugs due to a lack of breathalyzer equipment, it has emerged.

While roadside alcohol breathalyzers are carried by all garda units, only five traffic cars in the Limerick division carry a drug detection machine, Limerick city and county joint policing committee was told.