Over August 7–8, Somerville Highway Patrol members launched Operation Drive-Thru, targeting impaired drivers in the late afternoon and evening.
On Friday 7 August they responded to 000 calls for 2 vehicles doing burnouts in Baxter Park. Both were located, with both drivers allegedly testing positive to illicit drugs. One person also received a cannabis caution after a small amount was found.
On the same day, police were alerted to a vehicle doing just 20km/h on the freeway and swerving dangerously. The driver was found passed out behind the wheel. She was woken up and taken to hospital due to the severity of her alleged drug impairment.
Another female driver allegedly tried to evade police, only to crash into a parked car. The unaccompanied learner returned a positive drug test, was arrested on six outstanding warrants and was also wanted for questioning over four other matters. She was remanded in custody.
On Saturday 8 August an Uber Eats driver allegedly tested positive to an illicit drug while delivering food orders.
Later, a red Holden utility was intercepted, with the driver allegedly returning a positive drug test. The vehicle was also involved in a hoon investigation, while the driver was allegedly breaching bail conditions.
Just after 10pm, a vehicle crashed into the wire barriers on Penlink. The driver had allegedly collided with another vehicle 40 minutes earlier. After no alcohol was detected, police requested a drug impairment assessment, which the driver allegedly refused. That decision comes with a minimum two-year licence loss.
After two days of Operation Drive-Thru, the message is clear: if you’re going to drive, don’t drink and don’t use drugs. The operation serves as a timely reminder that impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk.
