Almost one in three drivers tested in the Shepparton area were allegedly found positive for illicit drugs during a recent targeted road policing operation, and Shepparton police say the results show exactly why that kind of enforcement is necessary.
Shepparton Highway Patrol conducted the week-long Operation Night Beatle between March 30 and April 5, focusing on high-risk driving behaviour during identified peak times for road trauma.
The 15 allegedly impaired drivers were discovered through 44 roadside drug tests.
Additionally, a 54-year-old Stanhope man was detected with an alleged blood alcohol concentration of 0.139, nearly three times the legal limit.
The man’s driver’s licence was suspended immediately, and his car was impounded for 30 days.
He will be charged on summons.
“These are people making a conscious decision to get behind the wheel while impaired. They are endangering their own lives and the lives of others,” Acting Sergeant Murray Moser said.
“Operation Night Beatle was about keeping our roads safe and removing dangerous drivers from our roads.”
A 21-year-old Shepparton man was caught allegedly travelling 111km/h in a 60km/h zone.
His car was impounded for 30 days, and he will be summoned to attend court later.
Police performed checks on 77 more vehicles, detecting one disqualified driver and two learner drivers allegedly driving without a fully licensed supervisor.
One of those drivers had their car impounded for 30 days and will be required to attend court. The other received a penalty notice.
Police impounded four vehicles during the operation and issued eight defect notices and 24 penalty notices for traffic-related offences.
A further 22 brief offences were detected.
Cloned number plates were also removed from one vehicle.
Police will be out in force across Greater Shepparton this Anzac Day long weekend, conducting drug and alcohol testing, targeting speeding and trying to ensure everyone gets home safely.
“If you do the wrong thing, you can expect to be caught,” Acting Sgt Moser said.
∎ Anyone with information about unsafe or illegal driving is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au