The drugalyser: new weapon in the clampdown on drug driving

A new handheld “drugalyser” that detects substance abuse in under two minutes could become the latest weapon the clampdown on drug driving.

The portable handheld device can detect cocaine and heroine from a saliva sample within 90 seconds and other substances within minutes. It is able to detect drugs in the body at far lower levels than existing testing devices

The new portable device, which will be available in 2011, would mean police officers could carry out tests on suspected drug drivers at the roadside.

A positive result would mean officers would no longer have to wait for permission from a doctor before a blood test could be taken to be used as evidence in court.

via The drugalyser: new weapon in the clampdown on drug driving - Telegraph.

Neat tool, but a forced blood draw, where you are held down by thugs and stuck with a needle, is one of the most traumatic and painful experiences. I know someone who went through this. It should not be permitted by law. Blood tests are not needed since a urine test is just as informative.  Sometimes, even when you consent to give a urine sample, police will do a forced blood draw just to assert their authority, to force you to submit. Such people have no business wearing a uniform.