Riverina Highway Patrol officers have charged a man banned from driving until 2032, following a vehicle stop in the state's south.
Just before 3pm today (Thursday 1 April 2021), officers from Riverina Highway Patrol conducting proactive patrols as part of the state-wide Easter Operation, stopped a Holden Commodore travelling south on the Olympic Highway at Bethungra.
Officers spoke to the driver – a 50-year-old man – and checks revealed he was disqualified from holding a licence until November 2032.
The man was subject to a random breath and drug test and allegedly returned a positive detection for methylamphetamine (ice).
In a subsequent search of the vehicle, police located methylamphetamine (ice), drug paraphernalia and prescription medication.
Following a further examination of the vehicle, officers issued several defect notices for assorted breaches.
The man was arrested and taken to Cootamundra Police Station, where he underwent a secondary oral fluid test, which allegedly returned a positive result for methylamphetamine (ice).
He was charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs, possess prohibited drug and possess prescribed restricted substance.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Wagga Wagga Bail Court tomorrow (Friday 2 April 2021).
