POLICE have caught 86 people driving under the influence of drugs in Nimbin during this weekend's annual Mardi Grass festival, where police ran a number of concurrent operations.

Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe, of Richmond Local Area Command, said police were very concerned by the large number of drivers testing positive to drugs and reminded motorists that driving under the influence of prohibited drugs is not only illegal, but is also immeasurably irresponsible and dangerous.

"Illegal drugs have an adverse affect on the precise skills, clear judgment and concentration required to safely drive a motor vehicle," Det Insp Kehoe said.

"Those who drive while under the influence of any drug are automatically at greater risk of injuring or killing themselves, their passengers and other road users."

In addition to the drugged driving offences, five people were caught drink driving and a large number of traffic infringements were issued, Det Insp Kehoe said.

The drug bus operation will continue today to target drug affected persons leaving the festival to ensure road safety.

During the drug dog operation, which finished up on Friday, 38 people or vehicles were searched with eight drug detections cautions, five cannabis cautions, two traffic infringements and two people charged.

During Operation Chisel, the high visibility policing operation targeting drug and alcohol related offences and anti-social behaviour over the weekend, 74 people were searched, 19 vehicles searched, 31 drug detections, 24 charges for possess prohibited drug, five charges for supply prohibited drug, three goods in custody charges, three cannabis cautions, six street offences, six move on directions and ten licensed premises inspections.

"The selling and buying of illicit drugs is illegal and driving under the influence of drugs will not be tolerated. Police will continue to target such behaviour and put those caught before the courts," Det Insp Kehoe said.