Victoria is facing a serious road safety issue and drugs – and one region in particular – are firmly in Victoria Police’s sights.
According to the latest data for the 2024-25 financial year, nearly one in five drug-driving intercepts in the state came from just one area: Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia. As highlighted in an article in The Age, one suburb in Cardinia was particularly under the spotlight. Pakenham was named Victoria’s worst-offending suburb, with a staggering 358 drivers caught in roadside drug testing. That is more than three times the number intercepted in the state’s second-worst suburb, Dandenong, which had 114.
Across the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia area, 58 per cent of intercepted drivers were repeat offenders. A quarter of those caught were not even authorised to drive.
The most common drug detected in the area was methamphetamine — found in around 69 per cent of the positive roadside drug tests. In many cases, drivers had multiple illicit drugs in their system simultaneously. In 43 per cent of cases, drivers had both methamphetamine and THC in their systems.
These numbers are alarming. When one region accounts for nearly 20 per cent of drug-driving intercepts across all Victoria, it’s a strong signal that action must be taken.
What the Data Means for All Victorians
Risk Isn’t Evenly Spread
The data shows while drug-driving is a state-wide concern, it isn’t evenly distributed. It clusters in certain suburbs. Communities in the south-east are disproportionately affected. The next worst area in the 2024-25 financial year was Greater Geelong.
Patterns of Repeat Offending
More than half of caught drivers are repeat offenders. That suggests enforcement alone won’t solve the problem. Interventions, education, and support need to be part of the solution.
Polydrug Use Is a Major Issue
A large proportion of those who tested positive had more than one illicit drug in their system. Combined drug use can amplify impairment, increasing the danger on the roads.
Road Safety Depends on Prevention — Not Just Punishment
While law enforcement plays a vital role, preventing impaired driving requires broader strategies — awareness, support, and safe alternatives.
The Role of Roadside Drug Testing in Victoria
Victoria Police has significantly ramped up roadside drug testing in recent years. Their entire highway patrol fleet — including drug-bus units and motorbike patrols — can carry out tests. Last financial year alone, there were more than 8,400 drug-driving detections across the state.
Defeating the myth that you can “get away with it,” the message from police is clear: “There’s nowhere to hide.” Repeat offenders and drug-affected drivers can expect serious penalties, including fines, licence suspension, and impoundment.
Why Workplace Drug Testing Matters Too
These roadside statistics reflect only one dimension of the drug risk in Victoria. From Integrity Sampling’s experience, we know that many individuals are not just taking risks on the roads; they take risks in workplaces too.
That’s why consistent and reliable workplace drug testing is critical. By catching impairment before someone steps into a vehicle, operates machinery, or works in safety-sensitive roles, employers can help prevent harm before it happens.
At Integrity Sampling Victoria, we see that responsibility extends beyond the road.
With 10 locations across Victoria — in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Melbourne, Mildura, Mornington, Shepparton, Traralgon, Warrnambool and Wodonga — we are well placed to support employers in building safe, drug-free workplaces.
While we leave roadside drug testing to Victoria Police, we are proud to be trusted for all workplace drug testing needs.
What You Can Do to Help
- Share this post to spread awareness of how big the issue is in parts of Victoria.
- Encourage local workplaces to consider drug-testing as part of their safety programs.
- If you’re an employer or HR manager — reach out to Integrity Sampling Victoria to learn how we can help you build safety and confidence across your sites.
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Recent data shows nearly one in five drug-driving intercepts in Victoria come from hotspots like Pakenham — highlighting the urgent need for responsible driving and reliable workplace drug testing across the state.
