Sunshine Coast police breath tested more than 1000 drivers in Coolum in one day and police say the results were “frustrating and disappointing”.
The tests took place on 14 December as part of Operation Exodus, focusing on road safety through high visibility patrols, enforcement, and engagement with motorists.
The operation included static roadside breath testing sites at the Yandina-Coolum Road roundabout where 13 people were charged with drink driving and over 10 traffic infringement notices were issued.
A 41-year-old Nerang man was stopped for a roadside drug test (RDT) and has been charged with one count each of driving while relevant drug is present in blood or saliva and driving motor vehicle without a driver licence.
He was issued a notice to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 20 January, 2025.
His passenger, a 56-year-old Burleigh Waters man, exited the car and dropped a bag allegedly containing a quantity of methylamphetamine.
This led to a search of the vehicle which located further alleged methylamphetamine.
He has been charged with one count of possessing dangerous drugs and has been issued a notice to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 22 January, 2025.
Coolum Beach Police Station Officer in Charge Acting Senior Sergeant Joel Bryant said these results were frustrating and disappointing.
“Driving a vehicle can be the most dangerous activity we undertake on a daily basis, and driving impaired by alcohol or drugs is an unnecessary and unacceptable risk to the safety of yourself and the wider community”, A/Senior Sergeant Bryant said.
“Driving impaired, including under the influence of alcohol and drugs, increases your risk of being involved in a traffic crash that could kill or seriously injure yourself, your passengers or other road users.
“I urge you to think of others and the trauma a serious traffic crash can have on your family, friends, witnesses and responding emergency services.
“As we head into the festive season, I urge people to organise an alternate way home, so you are never behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol.”
Coolum Beach police will increase high visibility patrols and enforcement activities to reduce road related trauma in the community.
