An unlicensed motorcycle rider has been charged and $20,000 worth of drugs seized after a police pursuit near Wollongong overnight.
Just after midnight (Sunday 12 February 2023), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducting proactive patrols in the Berkeley area, when they detected a motorcycle without a rear numberplate travelling on Northcliffe Drive.
When officers directed the motorcycle to pull over, the vehicle allegedly sped off and ran through a red light onto the Princes Highway.
A police pursuit was initiated; however, it was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
The motorcycle was found a short time later by the side of the road on the Princes Highway after it had crashed into the kerb.
Following a short foot pursuit, officers arrested the rider, a 29-year-old man, nearby.
During a search of the man, police seized 40g of methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, prescription medication and $1380 cash.
The methylamphetamine seized has an estimated potential street value of $20,000.
The man was taken to St George Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, and for drug and alcohol testing.
On his release from hospital, he was then taken to St George Police Station, where he was charged with nine offences, including:
- possess prohibited drug,
- supply prohibited drug,
- two counts of possess/attempt to prescribed restricted substance,
- police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly,
- drive conveyance taken without consent of owner,
- knowingly deal with proceeds of crime,
- unlicensed rider,
- drive while licence cancelled.
Police will allege in court that the man, whose licence expired in January 2021, was riding a stolen motorcycle.
The Flinders man was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today.
Inquiries are continuing.
