LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan State Police have released the results of a pilot project to try out a five minute roadside drug test and by far the drug that showed up most often was Marijuana.
Police have the blood alcohol test to quantify whether a driver can be charged with driving drunk.
They are seeking similar legal standards for drugs that will be admissible in court.
Tests were conducted by 31 officers with special training in five different counties.
Among the police departments invited to be part of the pilot were the Michigan State Police and sheriff’s offices in Berrien, Delta, Kent, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. Local police agencies included departments in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Escanaba, Lincoln Township, Pittsfield Township, The University of Michigan and Ypsilanti.
Of the 92-tests, 74 tested positive for marijuana. The next closest drug was Amphetamines at 16.
They also got a few hits for tranquilizers, cocaine, opiates and meth. 21 of the subjects tested positive for more than one drug.
62 of the drivers were arrested for driving while intoxicated.
The plan is to eventually come up with court approved equipment that can be used statewide.
