Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:03:08 +0000
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Official Information request - Factual basis of Police statements on roadside drug test
From: "J. P. W. Pitt" <[FYI request #33495 email]>
To: Ministerial Services <[email address]>

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Kia ora,

Pursuant to the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following information relating to the New Zealand Police press release dated 8 December 2024 titled “Drugged driver taken off road after roadside test”, published at:
https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/drugged-driver-taken-road-after-roadside-test

This request is confined to the factual accuracy of statements made in that release.

Requested information

Substance identification

At the time the press release was issued, did Police have any evidence capable of distinguishing methamphetamine from MDMA or other amphetamine-type substances, beyond the initial DrugWipe 3S roadside oral fluid screening test?

Test capability

Do Police acknowledge that the DrugWipe 3S roadside oral fluid screening test cannot distinguish between methamphetamine and MDMA, and instead indicates only the possible presence of an amphetamine-type substance?

False positive rate

Do Police acknowledge that the DrugWipe 3S (or equivalent roadside oral fluid screening tests) has a documented false positive rate of approximately 10%, meaning a positive screening result does not, on its own, establish drug consumption?

Evidential certainty

At the time of publication, did Police have any confirmatory saliva or blood test results establishing drug presence, or was the statement based solely on an initial screening test followed by refusal or inability to obtain a confirmatory sample?

Accuracy review

Have Police reviewed whether describing the individual as a “meth driver” or implying methamphetamine consumption was factually supported, given the known limitations of the screening test?

Scope and form

This request seeks confirmation of Police knowledge and understanding at the time of publication. It does not seek personal information about the individual concerned.

If any part of this request is refused, please specify:

the precise statutory ground relied upon, and whether the information can be released in summary or aggregated form.

I am happy to receive the response electronically.

Ngā mihi,
J. P. W. Pitt
Wellington region

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