A man has been charged with driving, drug and weapons offences following an investigation into dangerous driving and burnouts in the Hunter region.
On Wednesday 22 September 2021, officers from the Newcastle-Hunter Sector of Traffic and Highway Patrol were notified of a white Toyota Hilux spray painted black allegedly conducting burnouts in Bellbird in the early hours of the morning.
Following inquiries, officers – with assistance from Hunter Valley Police District – executed a search warrant at a home on Kempe Street, Cessnock, about 1.45pm yesterday (Thursday 23 September 2021).
During the warrant, police seized a Toyota Hilux, a Mercedes Van, two slingshots, methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, number plates and mobile phones.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
He was charged with 14 offences including:
- Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (x2)
- Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority
- Unlawfully possess number plates
- Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Interfere with person's enjoyment or risk safety
- Use light vehicle with dangerous frontal protrusions
- Use light vehicle with seatbelt missing or defective
- Use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard
- Use vehicle with defective body or structural member
- Possess prohibited drug
- Possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs
- Not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19
The Cessnock man was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 13 October 2021.
Traffic Inspector for the Newcastle-Hunter Sector, Inspector Mick Buko, said this manner of driving is reckless and can have serious consequences.
"Not only is this behaviour dangerous, it also puts other innocent members of the public at risk, and we simply won't tolerate it.
"Anyone who observes this sort of dangerous driving is encouraged to report it to your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," Insp Buko said.
Investigations are ongoing into further alleged driving offences.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
