The aim is to increase drug testing for drivers to 97,000 tests over the next year. 

The Commander of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, said police are very concerned by the large number of drivers testing positive to drugs across the state.

“We need to remind motorists that driving under the influence of prohibited drugs or alcohol is not only illegal, but is highly irresponsible and dangerous,” he said.

“Drivers should be aware that operations like these will continue across the state and will target drivers under the influence to try and avoid any further loss of life on our roads, especially leading up to the holiday season.”

The Mid North Coast and Traffic and Highway Patrol commands combined forces to run an intensive operation over a fortnight in June. 

Alarmingly, nearly 10 per cent of drivers and motorcyclists pulled over registered a positive result to having illegal drugs in their system.

The tests detect the presence of cannabis and amphetamines. 

That operation was possible because an apparatus for secondary testing was loaned to the Local Area Command for the duration. 

But last month the LAC secured its own apparatus, making drug testing permanent in the region. 

There were 24 officers trained over four days in the Kempsey region in early November

Sergeant Paul Dilley said training highway patrol and general duties meant police had a “double edge sword” to catch law breakers.

Roadside tests carried out during the training gave positive results for almost a third of motorists in Kempsey. 

Sgt Dilley said having the testing apparatus at Port Macquarie Police Station means motorists need to think before they get behind the wheel this month.

“It’s about taking personal responsibility on the roads,” he said.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay yesterday had a warning for those who are pulled over: now they could be tested for drugs, alcohol or both.

“If taking drugs isn’t stupid enough - driving while you’re doped up is even stupider,” the Minister said.