DRUG drivers have been warned they will be caught as police arrested hundreds of people on suspicion of the offence last month.

Essex Police have made their two highest recorded number of drug driving arrests in the past two months.

Some 277 motorists in Essex were arrested on suspicion of the offence in June.

The only total higher is the 331 arrests in May.

Head of roads policing Adam Pipe said the consequences of being caught drug driving were stark and could result in people losing their livelihoods.

He said: “We continue to take positive, proactive steps to keep you safe on our roads.

“This is another 277 people who face the possibility of losing their licence.

“If you lose your licence, you could lose your job, which could mean you’re not able to pay your bills and lead to you losing your home.

“We know that for many drug drivers, taking drugs – particularly cannabis – is part of their lifestyle, something they do regularly and have done for years.

“What they don’t realise is there’s a drug driving limit and you could fail a roadside drug wipe even days after last having drugs and even if you don’t feel stoned or feel that your driving is impaired.

“Is the high worth the low?”

Mr Pipe said hundreds of officers were ready and waiting to catch people who decide to take the risk by getting behind the wheel after taking illegal substances.

“We have more than 500 officers trained to use drug wipes and we’re training more all the time,” he said.

“This means if you drug drive in Essex, you’re more likely to be caught than ever before.

“Officers are out around the county looking for drug drivers because they cause harm on our roads and create a danger to other people.”

A total of 88 people were arrested on suspicion of drink driving and police also made 43 arrests after drivers failed to provide a specimen.

The numbers were lower than usual because pubs, bars and restaurants were not open because of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

Police are urging people who suspect anyone of drink or drug driving to call them on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Reports can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.