SWAN Hill police are alarmed at the number of drivers caught with illicit drugs in their system recently, including a learner without a supervising driver.
Highway patrol officers intercepted a vehicle on Woorinen-Vinifera Road, Woorinen North, on February 15 to find a 21-year-old learner driver without a supervising passenger and not displaying L-plates.
A preliminary oral fluid test on the driver indicated the presence of methylamphetamine.
The driver was expected to be fined.
Another driver has been slapped with a fine after being caught driving with cannabis in his system.
A 56-year-old man was pulled over in the Watchem area on February 11 and an oral fluid test indicated the presence of the drug.
On February 12, Manangatang police intercepted a heavy vehicle in the area about 12.50pm.
The 42-year-old driver, who also had an outstanding warrant, was found to be driving under the influence of methylamphetamine.
He was arrested and bailed to appear in court.
Another heavy vehicle was intercepted by highway patrol officers on the Murray Valley Highway at Reedy Lake on February 14.
The driver, a 47-year-old man, underwent an oral fluid test that indicated methylamphetamine.
Checks on his work diary indicated non-compliance with driving hours.
He will be summonsed at a later date on drug-driving and work-diary charges.
Speeding offences were also detected in the region in recent weeks, with a motorcyclist caught travelling at 140km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Mallee Highway.
The rider, a 45-year-old, was fined.
A spokesperson said police were committed to doing what they could to keep Mallee roads safe.
“The number of people who have lost their lives on our roads this year is devastating,” they said.
“We all have a part to play in road safety.
“Make good choices for the sake of yourself and your families.”
