Drugs, cash, weapons: drink and drug drivers busted in targeted police sting
A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving.
About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road.
A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059.
Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car.
When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis.
The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place.
He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.
The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month.
Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday.
Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes.
"We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said.
"We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life.
"Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules."
On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street.
Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated.
A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped.
The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading.
When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags.
Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets.
The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit.
He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27.
In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024.
There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year.
During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected.
Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests.
Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences.
Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed.
"We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said.
"Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court."
Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll.
A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving.
About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road.
A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059.
Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car.
When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis.
The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place.
He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.
The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month.
Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday.
Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes.
"We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said.
"We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life.
"Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules."
On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street.
Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated.
A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped.
The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading.
When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags.
Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets.
The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit.
He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27.
In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024.
There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year.
During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected.
Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests.
Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences.
Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed.
"We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said.
"Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court."
Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll.
A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving.
About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road.
A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059.
Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car.
When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis.
The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place.
He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.
The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month.
Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday.
Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes.
"We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said.
"We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life.
"Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules."
On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street.
Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated.
A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped.
The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading.
When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags.
Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets.
The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit.
He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27.
In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024.
There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year.
During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected.
Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests.
Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences.
Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed.
"We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said.
"Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court."
Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll.
A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving.
About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road.
A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059.
Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car.
When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis.
The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place.
He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.
The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month.
Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday.
Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes.
"We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said.
"We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life.
"Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules."
On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street.
Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated.
A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped.
The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading.
When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags.
Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets.
The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit.
He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27.
In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024.
There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year.
During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected.
Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests.
Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences.
Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed.
"We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said.
"Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court."
Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll.
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A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving. About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road. A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059. Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car. When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis. The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place. He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month. Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday. Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes. "We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said. "We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life. "Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules." On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street. Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped. The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading. When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags. Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets. The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit. He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27. In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024. There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year. During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected. Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests. Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences. Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed. "We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said. "Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court." Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll. A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving. About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road. A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059. Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car. When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis. The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place. He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month. Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday. Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes. "We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said. "We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life. "Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules." On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street. Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped. The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading. When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags. Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets. The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit. He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27. In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024. There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year. During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected. Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests. Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences. Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed. "We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said. "Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court." Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll. A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving. About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road. A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059. Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car. When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis. The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place. He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month. Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday. Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes. "We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said. "We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life. "Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules." On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street. Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped. The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading. When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags. Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets. The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit. He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27. In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024. There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year. During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected. Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests. Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences. Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed. "We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said. "Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court." Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll. A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving. About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road. A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059. Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car. When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis. The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place. He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month. Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday. Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes. "We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said. "We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life. "Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules." On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street. Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped. The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading. When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags. Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets. The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit. He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27. In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024. There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year. During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected. Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests. Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences. Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed. "We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said. "Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court." Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll.
