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Drug test rage

Ballarat, Australia Dec 14, 2004 -- BALLARAT'S John De Jong, the world's first person to return a positive roadside drug test, claims he is innocent.

"I will take a blood test, a lie detector test - anything to prove I am innocent."

Mr De Jong, who works in Melbourne, said he was the fourth driver tested under Victoria's new random roadside saliva testing for illicit drugs.

The test has come under fire from Australian Drug Management and Education's chief executive officer Gwen Wilcox, who claims the technology is far from foolproof.

"Deficiencies in the current technology will undoubtedly leave the way open for legal challenges for people who test positive for illegal drugs.

"This appears to be occurring already."

Mr De Jong said he could not believe what had happened.

"When they pulled me over, I wasn't really concerned.

"I was more than happy to do the test."

The 39-year-old said police told him they believed the test was positive and asked him to undergo further testing in the police van.

"While the test was being done I was honest with them and told them I smoked a joint (marijuana) with some people at home four weeks ago.

"They basically said that would be fine."

Mr De Jong said police told him he had tested positive to THC, the active component in marijuana.

"They asked me if I had consumed any marijuana and I again told them that I had four weeks ago.

"They said that's incorrect, that I had consumed marijuana in the last two hours.

"I told them that's impossible, I've been at work."

Mr De Jong said his reputation had been "shattered" after his face was revealed on television.

"I'm very upset, because I was actually told before I left the van by police that my face would not go on the TV.

"Everyone in Ballarat knew before I got home.

"I know I'm not guilty, I'm guilty of having a joint four weeks ago and if that's what they want to charge me with, I'll accept that, but I was not driving under the influence of any drugs."

Mr De Jong's lawyer, Katalin Blond from Ballarat's Slater and Gordon, said police had advised her client a third test would be sent to a laboratory for testing, and if it came back positive they would consider pressing charges.

Ms Blond said the firm would investigate possible defamation proceedings against Victoria Police for releasing information to the media.

"He (Mr De Jong) was told his face would not be revealed and for that reason he didn't take any measures to protect himself.

"It's been damaging to him in both his professional and personal life."

Ms Blond said police had given Mr De Jong a sample to be independently tested.

"We're seeking to have it independently tested, but we haven't been able to find anywhere to get it done yet."