By Danielle Kutchel
A targeted operation by Cardinia Highway Patrol has seen 21 drivers lose their licence after being caught behind the wheel while on drugs.
On the night of Saturday 2 January, members of Cardinia Highway Patrol conducted Operation Nemesis throughout the shire, aiming to detect drivers affected by drugs.
It was the first such operation – aimed specifically at picking up drug driving offences – to be run by the unit.
A total of 38 tests were conducted resulting in 21 drug drivers being detected, which was more than expected according to Sergeant Paul Holtzinger of Cardinia Highway Patrol.
Of the positive tests, 15 tested positive to methylamphetamine, while the other six tested positive to cannabis. Fifteen of the drivers were male and six were female.
In addition, two of those who were caught were found to be driving while disqualified.
Sgt Holtzinger said it was important to note that only 14 of the drivers who tested positive to drugs were from within the Cardinia police service area, meaning the unit was able to catch those passing through the area as well as locals.
He said the law in Victoria is very clear.
“You’re not allowed to have drugs in your system whatsoever when driving a car,” he said.
“The message we’re trying to get out is the drugs don’t just stay in your system for a couple of hours, they can stay in your system for a couple of days.”
The drivers have all lost their licences.
For first offences, drug driving carries a penalty of a six-month loss of licence. For subsequent offences, drivers will receive a court summons and the magistrate may issue a 12-month licence loss.
Fines are also imposed.
Each of the positive drivers has also been offered a referral to an external agency for assistance.
“We’re not just about catching people and taking their licence off them – we want to try and break the cycle of offending and offer people help so they can get off the drugs,” Sgt Holtzinger said.
He added that police are keen to get the message out to Victorians that drugs and driving don’t mix.
“We want everyone to have a safe 2021,” he said.
“If you do take drugs and decide to drive, it’s just a matter of time before you face the reality of getting caught.”
