Police Charge 28 Drug Drivers

August 29, 2015

Police are alarmed at the number of drug drivers risking their lives – and everyone else’s – on South Burnett roads.

Since mid-June, 28 drug drivers have been stopped by police in Blackbutt, Nanango, Kingaroy and Murgon.

Officer-in-charge of Kingaroy Police, Senior Sergeant Duane Frank, said the figure was very alarming.

Also concerning was the fact that illegal drugs were being detected across all demographics: men and women, young and old.

He said 17 men and 11 women had been detected by the roadside drug tests.

“So it’s not an offence that is purely the result of male behaviour,” Snr Sgt Frank said.

“That number of women is surprising.”

The drug drivers had also been detected at all times of the day and night, including during school pick-up and drop-off times.

“Some have made admissions that they used the drug the day before,” Snr Sgt Frank said.

“However, drugs in the body take more time to eliminate completely than alcohol.”

Drugs detected were cannabis and methamphetamine or a combination of both.

The youngest person detected was a 19-year-old youth from Kingaroy; the oldest was a 53-year-old Kingaroy man.

The average age was 37.

“A number of the women detected were in the 30-plus age group,” Snr Sgt Frank said.

“So drug driving is not an offence limited to young people.”

Most of the 28 drivers were local residents, although there were a couple of non-locals who were caught while travelling through the area.

The roadside drug tests are no longer part of a special police “blitz”.

“South Burnett road policing officers based in Kingaroy are fully trained to carry out roadside drug testing,” Snr Sgt Frank said.

“Anywhere at any time, drug testing will be carried out.

“And unlike alcohol, there is no legal limit for drugs. There is zero tolerance.”

  Police