Drugged drivers detected in Alice Springs

Eleven motorists were apprehended for driving under the influence of a prohibited substance during a five day traffic operation in Alice Springs.

Members of the Southern Traffic Operations Unit issued Notices to Appear to five motorists detected driving under the influence of a prohibited substance, within the first three days of the operation, which began Wednesday May 1.

Another six motorists returned positive readings for drug driving during the weekend.

Sergeant Conan Robertson of the Southern Traffic Operations Unit said the drug testing would detect prohibited drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis.

“There was an increase in drug testing during the first week of May, and the results are appalling,” said Sgt Robertson

“Drug affected drivers cause crashes, and this behaviour is reckless and unacceptable.

“People will continue to die on our roads unless we work together as a community to stamp out this behaviour to make our roads a safer place.”

During the five day operation, a man was issued with a Notice to Appear before court after he was detected travelling 116kmph in a 90kmph zone on the Ross Highway.

He returned a positive result for methamphetamine and will appear before the Alice Springs Local Court for Driving whilst suspended and Driving under the influence of a prohibited substance.

A 16-year-old male who did not hold a drivers license returned a positive result for amphetamine and THC and will appear before court on the following charges: Drive unlicensed, Drive Unregistered, Drive Uninsured, Drive under the influence of a prohibited substance.

Another motorist had his driver’s license suspended immediately after he tested positive for cannabis twice in four days. He will appear before the Alice Springs Local Court at a later date.

Sergeant Conan Robertson said people who chose to drive after taking drugs put other road users at risk.

“It is not acceptable to see any person putting other lives at risk by choosing to drive after taking drugs,” said Sgt Robertson

“To have someone caught twice in four days is extremely disappointing and shows a complete disregard for other road users.

“NT Police will continue to conduct random Drug and Alcohol testing of drivers amongst other road safety initiatives to ensure people are safe on our roads. Enough is enough.”

/Public Release. View in full here.