ONE in 21 drivers tested positive to driving under the influence of a prohibited drug during a two-day police operation conducted in Gundagai and Tumut at the weekend.
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Cootamundra police, in conjunction with Riverina Traffic and Highway Patrol officers, conducted 276 drug tests as part of Operation Hydro, with 13 drivers returning positive samples.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command operations commander Superintendent Stuart Smith said police were disappointed with the high rate of positive tests returned.
“Police are greatly concerned by the high number of people who returned a positive reading for driving under the influence of prohibited drugs,” he said.
“During the 2011-12 financial year period the positive return rate was one driver in every 47 tested.
“During the recent Operation Hydro one driver in every 21 returned a positive reading which is more than double.
“Driving while under the influence of prohibited drugs is not only illegal; it is immeasurably irresponsible and dangerous.”
More than 1500 drivers were also breath tested across the weekend by Riverina Traffic and Highway Patrol officers, with just one low-range drink driving offence recorded.
