An Garda Síochána recently announced that it would be setting up dedicated drug driving checkpoints and the practice is clearly showing dividends already.

A shocking 185 people were arrested over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, an increase of 48% on the same period last year.

The checkpoints screen drivers for driving under the influence of drugs including cocaine, opiodes, benzodiazepines and cannabis.

185 people arrested for driving under the influence this 4 day B/
Hol . An increase of 48%
on Easter period 2016 (125 arrested in 2016). pic.twitter.com/7BiBZny1Nm

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) April 18, 2017

The first checkpoints were rolled out last week, with samples of saliva being tested to detect traces of the drugs.

READ NEXT: Motorists Will Be Delighted With This Latest News On Petrol Prices