The driver of a truck hauling 30t of fertiliser has been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs.

The Mayo roads policing unit was carrying out a speed checkpoint in Foxford last Friday when the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver was detected travelling at 90km/h in a 60km/h speed zone and tested positive for cocaine.

The driver was subsequently found to have no insurance or tax, have no tacograph in use and was not wearing a seatbelt.

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The driver was then arrested and has now been charged with dangerous driving to appear before the courts.

Gardaí said that speeding at this level in a built-up area of a town puts everyone at risk.

"Drug driving: the consequences are real. Never driver under the influence. [It's] not just illegal - it's life-threatening. Even small amounts can seriously impair reaction times and co-ordination. If you drive under the influence, you're risking your future and someone else's life," gardaí said.

Penalty

All drug driving offences carry a period of disqualification. The maximum penalty for all drug driving offences is a €5,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment on summary conviction, according to the Road Safety Authority.