Hamilton police Sergeant Mark Phillips said police attempted to conduct a routine intercept about 12am, but the 23-year-old motorist sped away in his 1993 Jackaroo four-wheel-drive.

Police activated their lights but the motorist refused to stop, leading police in a pursuit and reaching speeds of over 100 km/h in a 50km/h residential street block.

Sergeant Phillips said the motorist eventually stopped and a subsequent search of the vehicle located a small amount of methylamphetamine.

"The man was arrested and conveyed to Hamilton police station, where he was required to undergo a drug impairment test," he said.

"The test indicated that he may be affected by drugs. A blood sample was taken and will be analysed at a later date. Driving under the influence or driving impaired carries a penalty much higher than failing an oral fluid test."

READ more: No jail for drug drivers sends wrong message to the community, says MP

Sergeant Phillips said the offender's vehicle was impounded and his licence immediately suspended.

"He was traveling at ludicrous speeds in an area where there quite easily could have been people walking around," he said.

"If he is doing those kinds of speeds while wondering where the police are, he can't be concentrating properly on his driving and that is a recipe for a disaster. He could have hurt or killed anyone."

The man was released pending summons.

He is expected to be charged with possessing methylamphetamine, using methylamphetamine and driving-related offences, including driving in a manner dangerous, speed dangerous and driving under the influence.

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