NSW Police released the numbers for the 2016/17 financial year for drug driving throughout the state, with the figures revealing police had detected 174 drivers with drugs in their system.

In the same period, 79 people were detected behind the wheel with illicit drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy or amphetamine in their oral fluid.

Liverpool in Sydney was the only metropolitan location to make the list with country areas dominating the arrest numbers. Port Macquarie was second followed by Goulburn.

Highway patrol Inspector Phil Brooks told The Leader the risks to country drivers was obvious.

“The danger to the community is the effects on those drivers,” he said,

“We know the drug cannabis makes drivers drowsy.

“We know opioid-based drugs make drivers more hyperactive and they maybe seeing things on the road.”

Inspector Brookes said drug-driving was selfish behaviour, and the arrest numbers show “it was only a matter of time” before they were caught.

“It shows a commitment by local general duties and highway patrol officers to conduct mobile drug testing and random breath testing in an effort to drive down the road toll,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said the numbers showed the arrest rates for drink and drug driving showed some drivers are getting the message, but the number of those that drive under the influence are still too high.

“Every one of those drivers or riders have shown a complete lack of regard for not only their own life, but the lives of all others using the road,” he said

"Evidence is clear that drink and drug-drivers are costing lives on NSW roads.”