Police detected more than 900 drivers, including several in the Hunter, allegedly under the influence of drugs or alcohol during a recent high-visibility campaign.
Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers), which took place between 12.01am on Thursday 6 November and 4am on Sunday 9 November, resulted in excess of 145,800 breath tests.
Of that number, 241 drink-driving offences were registered.
Officers also conducted 10,270 drug tests, with 633 people returning positive samples.
Shortly before 12.30am on Sunday 9 November, Hunter Valley Highway Patrol attempted to stop a motorbike on Wine Country Drive, North Rothbury.
Police spoke to the rider and noticed the bike was fitted with an altered registered plate.
The 37-year-old man was subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order and officers searched his backpack where they located an unloaded double barrel shotgun, more than $11,900 cash, shotgun shells and drugs including white crystal and numerous pills.
They also discovered a loaded smooth bore revolver in his underwear and a 50ml container of clear liquid.
He was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station before being conveyed to Cessnock Hospital.
Upon his release, officers charged him with 14 traffic, drug and firearms offences.
After being refused bail, he’ll front Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 12 November.
While Operation RAID focused on detecting drivers operating a vehicle impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, the high-visibility crusade also saw police issue more than 7,000 traffic infringement notices, including 1,823 for speed, 245 for mobile phone usage and 111 restraint-related felonies.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the results highlighted that people driving after consuming alcohol and/or taking drugs remained a serious problem.
“Every time an officer stops a driver who has taken drugs or alcohol in breach of the law, they’re preventing a tragedy,” she explained.
“These operations aren’t about statistics, they’re about keeping people alive.
“Too many families have had their lives shattered because someone thought they were fine to drive when they weren’t.
“These are preventable incidents… and we need people to take that responsibility seriously.
“Police will continue to run high-visibility operations right across the state.
“The safest choice is the simplest one: if you’re drinking, taking drugs or too tired, don’t get behind the wheel.”
Assistant Commissioner David Driver, Commander of Traffic and Highway Patrol, echoed those sentiments.
“We saw six lives lost during the operation, which is a tragedy,” he said.
“We also detected a number of drivers travelling at very high speeds, which is also unacceptable.
“We continue to implore drivers to make the right decision and not undertake these dangerous behaviours.
“We urge people to think about other innocent road-users, their families and those in your own car who could have their lives changed forever by reckless decisions.”
For more news stories:
- Fuel thrown on man as Singleton home set alight
- Hexham Straight taking shape as work continues
- Police launch investigation after truck catches fire on M1
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.
