Police detected 10 drug drivers during a targeted road safety operation in the Western District this week.
Officers from Taskforce Scelus targeted drug driving during the two-day operation on Monday and Tuesday.
Acting Inspector Martin Parker said seven of the 10 drivers who returned a positive result for illicit drugs had been intercepted by police on the first day.
"Across the two days, officers from the taskforce intercepted drivers at Devonport, Burnie, Shorewell, Penguin, and West Ulverstone, with positive results for illicit substances including cannabis, opiates, and methylamphetamine," he said.
Acting Inspector Parker said one of the drivers was arrested and charged after he allegedly attempted to run from police and refused a drug test.
The 41 year old Wynyard man was charged with drive whilst disqualified, possess a controlled drug, refuse oral fluid test, refuse breath analysis, fail comply with a direction to submit to an oral fluid analysis, resist a police officer, hinder conveyance and assault police. He was detained to appear in court.
"The nine other drivers will receive a summons to attend court at a later date for Road Safety (Alcohol & Drugs) offences," Acting Inspector Parker said.
"It is extremely disappointing for us to detect 10 motorists driving under the influence of drugs over the past two days. Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol puts all road users at risk."
Since July 1, Western District Police have also detected 133 drink drivers, with 20 of those drivers returning readings above 0.15.
"Tasmania Police is committed to road safety enforcement, and we will continue to target drink and drug drivers. We want every road user to return home safely to their families."
Anyone with information about dangerous driving is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
