Manning-Great Lakes Police issued 13 drug driving offences in an operation involving more than 30 officers over the weekend.
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'Operation Fume' commenced at 6am on Thursday, November 25 and ran until 1am on Sunday, November 28 and covered areas such as Forster Tuncurry, Taree, Krambach, Wingham, Old Bar, Nabiac and Bulahdelah.
The operation involved officers from the Manning-Great Lakes Police District and Traffic and Highway Patrol.
Police conducted 687 roadside breath tests that resulted in 13 positive drug tests, 77 traffic infringement notices, 11 24-hour licence suspensions, 13 defect notices, two drink drinking offences and a total of 10 charges were laid.
About 11.20pm on Saturday, November 27 police stopped a Toyota Prado on Macintosh Street, Forster.
Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located jewellery, cash, tools, tablets, ammunition and a smart watch.
The 46-year-old male driver and a 47-year-old female passenger were arrested and taken to Forster Police Station.
The man was charged with steal property in dwelling-house and contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic).
The woman was charged with steal property in dwelling-house, contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic), and possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority.
Police will allege in court the items were stolen during the week. Both were granted conditional bail to appear in Forster Local Court on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.
Manning-Great Lakes Police District Inspector Timothy Bayly said these operations target road users who may be doing the wrong thing to prevent serious road incidents.
"As travel restrictions ease, we are seeing an increase in the volume of cars on our roads and we know this can increase the risk of crashes," Inspector Bayly said.
"These proactive operations aim to reduce road injuries and fatal crashes, while targeting drug and alcohol affected drivers to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely."
Similar operations will be conducted in the future, he said.
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