Leading police officer Bernie Rankin calls for harsher penalties for drug drivers

One of Australia’s longest-serving police officers says it’s time to get tougher on drug drivers.

Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin told Neil Mitchell courts should be imposing a one-year minimum licence suspension to any driver caught driving under the influence of illicit substances.

‘I’m talking about serious penalties,’ he said in his final interview on 3AW Mornings.

‘I don’t see why you should deal harshly with a drink driver and then give a three-month suspension for somebody who uses speed or some other exotic substance.

‘They’re causing just as much havoc as the drink drivers did.

‘You look at the road toll now and it’s on an upward trend.

‘We can’t accept that.’

Detective Inspector Rankin is retiring after 42 years in the force.

Click PLAY below to watch Bernie Rankin in studio