Queensland police reveal 1 in 49 motorists test positive for drugs

Drug detection measures have led to the discovery that one in every 49 motorists in Queensland, Australia, drive while under the influence of illegal substances.

Queensland Police Service revealed it has caught 1,000 individuals who have gotten behind the wheel after taking cannabis, speed or ecstasy, the Courier Mail reports.

The drug detection procedure was introduced in December 2007 and of those arrested, 868 were men.

MDMA and ecstasy were found to be the most commonly ingested substances, with most users found to be driving a car.

However, 145 were in a heavy vehicle and 37 were riding motorbikes.

Police minister Neil Roberts said: "Roadside drug testing operations continue to ensure Queensland roads are safe from those drivers that consume illicit drugs and choose to drive."

He added that those who take illegal substances should "prepare to be stopped".

Elsewhere, a new initiative is to see children in Canton, Illinois, undergo random drug detection testing before taking part in extra-curricular activities, the Canton Daily Ledger recently reported.