About one in four drivers tested for illicit drug use have allegedly returned positive results during Operation Spoiler in the Hunter Valley.
Between Thursday 14 August 2025 and Monday 18 August 2025, Traffic and Highway Patrol Officers conducted a traffic operation in the Hunter Valley targeting impaired drivers.
The operation is one of several conducted in recent months after the Hunter Valley Police District recorded 285 injury crashes between Monday 1 July 2024 and Tuesday 1 July 2025, with 15 of those crashes fatal. Primary contributions for many of the crashes include speed, alcohol consumption and the presence of drugs in the driver's system.
During the most recent operation, a total of 304 roadside drug tests were undertaken, with 78 drivers – about one in four – allegedly testing positive to illicit drugs. All 78 drivers have undergone secondary oral fluid samples which have been sent for further analysis.
Officers also conducted 418 RBTs, with three drivers allegedly returning positive results.
197 penalty notices were issued for a range of offences including speeding, seatbelt offences and mobile phone use.
Incidents of note include:
- About 12.55pm on Saturday 16 August 2025, police stopped a hatchback on the Golden Highway at Denman for random testing. The 26-year-old learner driver and her observer, a 21-year-old woman, were subjected to a roadside oral fluid test that allegedly returned a positive reading for an illicit drug. Both women were arrested and provided a secondary oral fluid sample. Both women were prohibited from driving for 24 hours. Inquiries are ongoing.
- About 4.05pm on Saturday 16 August 2025, police stopped a driver on Mitchell Avenue, Kurri Kurri. The 23-year-old man was subjected to a roadside oral fluid test that allegedly returned a positive reading for two illicit drugs. He was arrested and underwent a secondary oral fluid sample that was sent for further analysis. During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized 7.1g cannabis, 1.4g MDMA, and 5g THC infused 'edibles'. The man was issued a court attendance notice for three counts of possess prohibited drug. He is due to appear before Kurri Kurri Local Court on Tuesday 23 September 2025. He was also prohibited from driving for 24 hours.
Traffic Response Group Inspector Stuart Forbes said the results were alarming and warned impaired drivers.
"Time and time again we warn drivers about the dangers of driving while under the influence, yet we continue to see drivers on our roads with reckless disregard for themselves, their passengers, and the wider community who they share the road with," Insp Forbes said.
"We will continue to monitor our roads and hold those doing the wrong thing to account so we can keep our communities safe."
The Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, said police are working tirelessly to address drug driving.
"Police aren't letting up on drug driving – testing is at its highest level in five years. But too many drivers still aren't getting the message," Minister Catley said.
"We've equipped police with cutting-edge roadside technology that delivers instant drug test results, so you'll find out soon after getting behind the wheel if you've made the wrong choice."
"If you choose to drive under the influence, you'll likely be caught – either by police, or in a crash that could cost you your life or your freedom."
Further traffic operations across the Hunter Valley will continue.
