Here’s sobering news from Victoria if you’re considering purchasing a used car. As well as the usual roadworthy and other checks, it may pay to have your prospective car undergo drug testing.
This follows a study conducted by Flinders University in which two cars in Melbourne underwent thorough drug testing. In both cars, analysis of interior surfaces and air detected methamphetamines in 85 per cent of samples, highlighting that the cars were contaminated and could potentially put future drivers and passengers of the cars at risk.
While the study highlights the potential for vehicle contamination, as an ABC News article points out, the vehicles analysed had known links to the illegal drug trade.
In one car, drug paraphernalia such as pipes, foils and a dealer bag had been found before the drug testing was conducted. The other car contained 230 syringes and multiple dealer packs.
To undertake the drug testing of the Victorian vehicles, swab tests were conducted on the dashboard, air vents and the driver’s side door panel. Air sampling pumps were placed in the boot of one car and on the passenger seat of the other. Methamphetamine was detected in 93% of bulk material samples, including carpets and floor mats.
Second-hand car buyers should be cautious
While the results are perhaps not surprising, given the Victorian vehicles’ links to the drug trade, what it does highlight is that second-hand car buyers should be cautious about potential methamphetamine contamination in used vehicles. Flinders University researchers want to see regulations developed to manage drug contamination, particularly contamination of porous car materials.
What can used car buyers do to protect themselves, their family and friends? Researchers suggest that concerned buyers should purchase commercially available methamphetamine drug testing kits to check for contamination, before committing to a purchase.
Further drug testing research being undertaken in Victoria
Building on this study, further research is being conducted in controlled settings to better understand how methamphetamine contamination spreads in vehicles.
The ABC News article quotes Flinders University PhD student Gemma Kerry as saying, “Currently we are looking at contaminating a car through special means and then going back and analysing it to see how much methamphetamine is smoked and how much could then be present in the car,” she said.
The need for further research is important because of the potential risks. Flinders University researchers say if you did buy a car that was contaminated by methamphetamines, you could experience symptoms such as headaches, skin irritation, respiratory issues and even behavioural changes.
Of course, used cars aren’t the only concern. Houses where methamphetamine contamination has occurred is a growing issue and an area where considerably more research has been conducted. In fact, several years ago, a Herald Sun investigation suggested around 20 per cent of rental homes could be contaminated by methamphetamines. At that time, available drug testing results showed that Victoria had higher levels of home contamination than other states.
Certainly something to consider if you’re likely to buy a used car in Victoria in 2025, or purchase a home or move into a new rental.
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Should you add drug testing to checks you undertake before purchasing a second-hand car? A new study in Victoria suggests it may be a good idea.