The 15 detectives join the Shepparton Highway Patrol officers who are able to carry out the tests.
Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Jason Williams said this meant more drug tests could be carried out on greater Shepparton roads.
Recent operations have been carried out where Shepparton Highway Patrol police and detectives have joined forces to see an increase in the number of drivers processed for drug-related driving offences.
A number of vehicles have also been impounded as part of these operations.
Det Sgt Williams said the ability for detectives to now drug test drivers was another string to the bow for detectives in helping them fight against drugs.
He said catching people drug driving had a flow-on effect for other drug-related investigations by police.
“There is actionable intelligence received,” Det Sgt Williams said.
“The source of the drugs is often determined and the follow-up investigation and warrants quite often remove drugs from the community.
“It’s just another tool in the kit to process a wider range of offenders and remove drugs and drug-related drivers.”
Det Sgt Williams said he hoped that the addition of extra police trained to detect drug drivers would act as a deterrent for motorists who might otherwise be doing the wrong thing.
“If people use drugs, the last thing they should do is drive a motor vehicle,” he said.
“The chances of being drug tested when intercepted by highway patrol or detectives have increased.”
Det Sgt Williams also reminded people that drugs had the potential to stay in their bloodstream for a substantial amount of time after they were used.
“Ideally people would not use drugs at all, but if they do, they should not drive,” he said.
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