Yorke Mid North Police conducted a 24-hour traffic operation on the Augusta Highway commencing on Friday morning (22 January) targeting drugs and drink and drug driving.
During the 24-hour blitz at Warnertown, which was supported by Police Dog Operations, Traffic Support Branch, outstations and general duties police, more than 900 drivers were alcotested and 25 drug screening tests were conducted.
Eight drivers tested positive for drugs, including six for methamphetamine, one for cannabis and one for a combination of both drugs.
A 30-year-old Adelaide man was arrested for refusing an oral fluid screening test, refusing to provide his name and address and resisting arrest. He was issued with an immediate six month loss of licence and his vehicle was impounded for 28 days. Police later located a quantity of cannabis and equipment inside his vehicle. He was bailed to appear in court at a later date.
A 58-year-old Port Augusta man was reported for possess cannabis for sale after police allegedly located more than 250 grams of cannabis inside his vehicle.
A 39-year-old Hamley Bridge man recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.124 and also tested positive for cannabis. He was reported for drink driving and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date. The drug sample was sent for forensic analysis. His passenger, a 37-year-old Ponde man, was found in possession of methamphetamine and equipment and was issued with a drug diversion.
A 21-year-old P-plater from Peterborough was detected with a blood alcohol reading of 0.047. She was fined for breaching the conditions of her licence.
A further six reports, 13 traffic expiation notices, six cannabis expiation notices, three drug diversions and 31 defects were issued for driving, drug and alcohol related offences.
Yorke Mid North Police were pleased with the success of the operation and warn drivers to expect similar drug and road safety blitzes in the future.
