A NEW testing kit which will allow police to tell whether drivers are under the influence of drugs has been launched by Cozart, based in Milton Park, near Abingdon.

The Drug Detection System uses a saliva test to show whether people have been using drugs including cocaine, amphetamines or heroin. Cozart says sampling typically takes 30 seconds. Analysis of whether Class A drugs have been taken can be done in 90 seconds. Up to five drug types can be detected in five minutes.

Cozart managing director Philip Hand said: "We are particularly targeting roadside applications, where it is important to process results rapidly."

The development builds on Cozart's existing technology the Rapiscan system, already in use for testing in police stations, and its powder testing kits, which have been used to test for cocaine in pubs and clubs.

Mr Hand said the new system could also be used in the workplace and in drug rehabilitation clinics.

It has already been taken on by police in Australia for use at the roadside, following a number of studies.

The launch came after Cozart won a new £2m four-year contract from the Scenesafe arm of the Forensic Science Service for its kits, which carry out DNA testing of criminals for the police.

Cassie Shaw, head of Scenesafe, said: "Cozart's infrastructure, resources and ability to deliver were all key factors to our decision-making process"

Cozart, which also has bases in Spain and Sweden, employs 130 people, 75 of them at Milton Park.

It was set up by Mr Hand and his brother Chris in 1993 and floated on the Alternative Investment Market in July 2004, making them paper millionaires.

Mr Hand said the company was growing rapidly with turnover now reaching £1m a month. Ten staff have been taken on in the last year.