BY IAN CROUCH
Lake Macquarie Police say they're very concerned at the number drivers being caught with illicit drugs in their system.
Officers took part in Operation Amrap between 7.00am and 5.00pm on Monday, stopping 80 vehicles and arresting 10 people.
Of the 37 drivers subjected to a random roadside drug test, seven allegedly returned a positive result - that's 1 in 5 drivers. All were arrested and underwent secondary tests which have been sent for further testing.
Officers also carried out 74 random breath tests, with a 43-year-old man arrested and charged after allegedly returning a mid-range alcohol reading of 0.089.
Two drivers were charged with disqualified driving and one was issued a $1000 fine for breaching the COVID Public Health Order.
Chief Inspector Craig Reid says the comparatively high number of people caught drug driving is a big worry.
"Seven drivers out of 37 recorded a positive roadside result - that is a worrying number of motorists who proceed to put not only their own lives at risk, but the lives and safety of those on the road around them," he said.
"Lake Macquarie Police will be continuing to target drivers who think they can get away with drink or drug driving - you will see us in numbers on the main arterial roads, (and) the back routes," Ch Insp Reid said.
