The Hunter drug bus was in Maitland on Friday as part of a two day operation to target drug driving.
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Ten highway patrol cars performed random drug tests across the Hunter, with 18 people arrested for driving while under the influence.
Hunter traffic and highway patrol Sergeant David Thomas said the Hunter had previously had to borrow a drug bus from Sydney.
Now the area has its own vehicle he said drivers would see more regular random drug tests.
"Drugs are an emerging trend in road accidents," Sergeant Thomas said.
"That's why we are here today and will be regularly in the Hunter."
The patrol cars pulled over drivers at random for the test which involved a tongue swipe.
The small device tests for cannabis, methamphetamine and ecstasy.
After five minutes the device can confirm the presence of drugs in the system.
If a positive reading is returned the person is arrested and taken to the drug bus where they undergo a second test which is sent away for analysis.
Charges are laid once these results are returned to police.
The drug bus was on the New England Highway next to Telarah lagoon on Friday.