It’s already been a busy Christmas-New Year period for Port Stephens-Hunter Police District personnel.
Officers from the region led a multi-agency operation – involving the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Mid-North Coast Council, Department of Primary Industries and trail bike units – in the Tea Gardens sector, encompassing Hawks Nest, Karuah, Myall Lakes National Park and waterways, on Saturday 27 December.
The annual campaign focuses on community engagement, education and compliance enforcement during the hectic festive season.
As a result, they performed 633 Random Breath Tests (RBTs), 60 boat inspections and 22 public interactions.
There were 11 infringements, from helmet to registration offences, with another four cautions issued.
The officers also oversaw six Random Drug Tests (RDTs), with one person testing positive for methamphetamine.
If that wasn’t enough, police made several drink-driving arrests in the LGA, too.
On 19 December, a 30-year-old Clarence Town man was arrested and charged after being detected on Seaham Road, Nelsons Plains.
He will appear in Raymond Terrace Court in early January for mid-range PCA.
Then, about 8.30pm on 27 December, a 33-year-old male from Corlette was arrested for a similar offence on Sandy Point Road.
After being indicted for mid-range PCA, he’ll front Raymond Terrace Court in 2026.
Soon after, at 10.50pm, a 22-year-old Medowie man was arrested on Stockton Street, Nelson Bay.
He’ll face Raymond Terrace Court on 19 January, also for mid-range PCA.
“The message is simple… don’t drink and drive,” a Port Stephens-Hunter Police District spokesperson said.
“It’s not worth the risk.
“We remind the community that RBT operations are being conducted in high numbers throughout the Christmas and New Year period to keep everyone safe.
“So, expect to see more police on the roads conducting alcohol and drug testing.”
For more news stories:
- Man hospitalised after glider crash-lands at Ravensworth
- 2026… a game-changing year for Hunter motorists
- Drink-driver caught twice in two hours after pursuit near Maitland
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
