OVER 100 drivers have been disqualified for drug driving as part of a crackdown by Gwent Police.

Officers in Gwent have been using a a roadside drug test called a ‘DrugWipe’ since May 2015, which tests saliva for drugs including cannabis and cocaine.

Once used, the test will show a valid reading within eight minutes and if positive, officers will take the motorist to a police station for a blood test which will be used in any prosecution.

Between May 2015 and August 19, Gwent Police have disqualified 135 drivers for providing a positive test — a total disqualification period of 216 years and 10 months.

Recent cases include a 26-year-old who was disqualified for 24 months and received a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

The driver was stopped at Tabernacle Road, Fforest Coalpit, near Abergavenny and provided one sample which detected four different drugs.

Other cases included a 26-year-old who was disqualified from driving for 24 months after being stopped on Alicia Way, Newport.

A 23-year-old was also disqualified from driving for 24 months after being stopped on Caerleon Road, Newport.

Gwent Police believe the test is a “big step forward in bringing more drug driving criminals to justice”.

Inspector Huw Jones said: 'These results, continual arrests and convictions are helping us to ultimately keep our roads safe and save lives.

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

Successful ‘DrugWipe’ stops were also enforced on Harlequin Drive and George Street in Newport, the A472 Tredomen, Mountain Road in Caerphilly and Pengam Road in Aberbargoed.

If convicted of drug driving, offenders can receive a minimum one year ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.

A driving licence will also show a drug driving conviction for 11 years while convictions of death by dangerous driving under the influence of drugs could lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

A drug driving conviction can also increase car insurance costs, affect employment and cause issues getting into countries such as the USA.

Insp Jones added: “We’ve recently had a delivery of even more tests so officers will using these to crack down on this unacceptable behaviour and take serious action.”

If you have any information or believe someone could be driving whilst over the limit please call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.