Sandwich man arrested on suspicion of drug-driving on the M20 near Tonbridge
Published: 00:00, 29 April 2015
Updated: 15:30, 29 April 2015
A 23-year-old man from Sandwich has been arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after speeding along the M20.
Police suspected the man who was driving a Vauxhall Corsa at 85mph on the M20 London-bound carriageway near Ryarsh in Tonbridge.
Officers carrying out speed checks on Monday, April 20, followed the speeder and smelt cannabis in the air.
He was pulled over and arrested at 5.50am.
A search of his home uncovered a quantity of a substance suspected to be cannabis, and he was further arrested on suspicion of intending to supply.
He has been bailed until Saturday, June 6, pending the results of the roadside drug test.
Chief Inspector Matthew Kendall of Kent Police’s roads policing team said: "This arrest goes to show that Kent Police is making effective use of the new legislation to target drug drivers on Kent’s roads.
"Drug-driving is selfish, unnecessary and dangerous to other road-users, and those who decide to take the risk should be aware there is no safe limit.
"Anyone who gets behind the wheel while under the influence can expect to be stopped and brought before the courts."
New legislation introduced earlier this month means there are now set limits for a number of illegal and prescription drugs. This makes it easier to prove if somebody has been under the influence while driving.
The limits for all illegal drugs are extremely low, so taking even a very small amount of an illegal drug could put users over the limit.
Kent Police is enforcing the new legislation using roadside impairment tests, which include a physical assessment to determine if a driver is fit to be behind the wheel, and also by utilising new drug-testing equipment when required.
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Emily Stott