15 March 2023

Around 10 per cent of roadside drug tests positive in Southern Region police operation

| Claire Fenwicke
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highway patrol car

Operation Fume was conducted by police officers across the Southern Region. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.

More than 300 fines have been handed out and 49 people charged with drug-driving offences following a police operation across southern NSW roads.

Operation Fume was held on Friday (10 February) and Saturday (11 February) across the Monaro, South Coast, Hume, Wollongong and Lake Illawarra police districts, targeting impaired-driving offences and general road compliance.

Police across the Southern Region conducted more than 450 roadside drug tests during the operation.

These resulted in 49 positive drug tests, which will now undergo further analysis.

Officers also conducted more than 4100 random breath tests, which saw 28 people charged with drink-driving offences. Of these, 13 were mid-range.

Meanwhile, 58 motorists were caught speeding.

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Those caught included a 33-year-old learner driver who was stopped by Goulburn Highway Patrol at about 2:35 am on Saturday.

The man allegedly tested positive for cannabis and methamphetamine.

His supervisor โ€“ a 27-year-old woman โ€“ also allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.

Officers also broke up a crowd of about 100 people after about 50 vehicles were seen blocking the Princes Highway at Darkes Forest at about 11 pm on Saturday.

Street racing and burnouts were also reported.

Several defect notices were issued to drivers, with inquiries ongoing.

Motorists have been warned to expect similar targeted operations in the future.

Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on About Regional.

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