OVER half of suspected drug drivers stopped by Gwent Police and tested with a new device have tested positive, the force has said.

The DrugWipe device used by officers can show whether drugs have been taken within three minutes and have been used by the force since last May.

A positive test is shown by red lines on the equipment, like a pregnancy test.

The Home Office estimates as many as 200 people a year are killed by drug drivers. Gwent Police has used 333 DrugWipes, with 190 people being caught.

From those 59 drivers have been disqualified, 26 are awaiting court dates and a further 35 are waiting for drug test results.

The most likely group to be caught having taken drugs are 17 to 25-year-old men. They are most likely to be found having taken cannabis.

Inspector Matthew Havard said: “These results are giving us a more accurate picture of the extent of drug driving.

“Those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs not only put their own lives and passengers at risk, but also those of innocent pedestrians and other motorists.

“Don't drink and drive. Don't take drugs and drive. Driving is a privilege and not a right. We will stop you. Think about what that would mean for you.”

Campaigns adviser for Brake, the road safety charity, Alice Bailey said: “Driving on drugs is reckless, selfish and dangerous.

“It’s shocking just how many people have been caught, but this proves the value and effectiveness of the new tests.

“We see the devastating consequences of the crashes caused by drug drivers through our work with bereaved families.

“You are not safe behind the wheel with any substance in your system – whether that’s drink or drugs.

“Our police forces must be given the resources they need to catch drug drivers and we need tough penalties to act as a real deterrent.”