New Zealand launches nationwide screening with DrugWipe

The government of New Zealand is taking decisive action in its efforts to improve road safety. It will rely on the proven technology of Securetec AG in its nationwide launch of mobile drug screening. Following a successful and intensive pilot phase in the capital region of Wellington, the groundbreaking project is now set to be officially rolled out across the country as a whole. It will mean a significant change to roadside screening for drivers in New Zealand. From now on, the police will be able to conduct roadside saliva screenings at random. The authorities have declared an ambitious target of approximately 50,000 screenings per year.

For this project, the New Zealand authorities will rely on the precision and speed offered by DrugWipe. The saliva test enables reliable on-site screening for the consumption of substances including cannabis, methamphetamines, MDMA and cocaine within just a few minutes. A positive roadside screening result has severe consequences for drivers. Following a 12‑hour driving ban, they face the possibility of penalty points and a fine, subject to final confirmation by laboratory testing.

The full press release provides details of the new screening process, use of the DrugWipe test and why this screening technology was the first choice of the New Zealand government in its campaign against drug driving.