Almost one in five drivers returned positive results during a proactive drink and drug driving blitz in Lake Macquarie yesterday.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District undertook Operation Amrap between 7am and 5pm on Monday 19 July targeting drink and drug driving offences, along with compliance with the current Public Health Orders.
In total, 80 vehicles were stopped, with 10 people arrested, while 74 drivers underwent a random breath analysis.
A 43-year-old man was charged with mid-range drink driving at Wangi Oval in Arcadia Vale.
Police allege he returned a positive result roadside.
They then arrested him and took him to Belmont Police Station where he recorded an alleged blood alcohol analysis reading of 0.089.
As well, 37 drivers underwent a random roadside drug test, with seven returning a positive result.
All were arrested and subjected to a secondary analysis, which will be sent for further testing.
Two drivers were charged with driving while disqualified, too.
Another person was issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Lake Macquarie Police District Duty Officer Chief Inspector Craig Reid said it was concerning to see the number of drivers getting behind the wheel under the influence.
“Seven drivers out of 37 recorded a positive roadside result,” he stated.
“That is a worrying number of motorists who proceed to put not only their own lives at risk, but the lives and safety of those on the road around them.
“Those secondary results will be forensically tested and if they return a positive result, then those drivers will be charged and put before the courts.
“Lake Macquarie Police will be continuing to target drivers who think they can get away with drink or drug driving.
“You will see us in numbers on the main arterial roads, the back routes.”
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