Beyond Breathalyzers: San Diego Police Can Now Test Drivers for Drugs

Описание: San Diego police are rolling out a new tool that goes beyond alcohol — and straight into roadside drug detection.
Meet SoToxa, a handheld saliva-testing device now being used by the San Diego Police Department to screen drivers for drugs like cannabis, meth, opioids, and more.
Here’s how it works 👇
Earlier this month, officers responded to a crash in a mall parking lot. The driver said he had passed out and woke up to find his car crashed into a pole. Officers observed signs of impairment — dilated pupils, swaying, elevated pulse — but a breathalyzer showed no alcohol.
The driver then admitted he had smoked methamphetamine earlier that day and voluntarily agreed to a roadside saliva test using SoToxa.
📊 Result: Positive for methamphetamine.
🧪 What SoToxa tests for:
• THC (cannabis)
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Amphetamines
• Benzodiazepines
The test is voluntary, takes only minutes, and shows positive or negative results once a drug crosses a set threshold (for example, 25 nanograms of THC or 50 nanograms of meth). No exact levels are displayed.
👮 Sgt. Greg Minter says the device helps officers rule drugs in or out when alcohol isn’t involved — but it’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card.
⚠️ Important to know:
California has no legal drug limit like alcohol’s 0.08%. Impairment is judged by behavior, not numbers. Even drugs used the day before can still show up, and drivers can still be arrested if they appear impaired.
💉 Drivers arrested for suspected drug DUI must submit to a blood test or face license suspension and possible warrants.
👁️ Certified drug recognition experts say SoToxa is a last step, after conversation, eye exams, and field sobriety tests.
💰 San Diego has five SoToxa devices, each costing about $5,000, funded by California cannabis tax revenue.
🚨 Bottom line:
SoToxa doesn’t measure impairment — but it gives police a fast new tool to detect recent drug use, filling a gap breathalyzers never could.