Operation Targets High-Risk Drivers
First and foremost, Police caught 37 impaired motorists during a major road policing blitz on the Monash Freeway over the weekend. Operation Colossus ran across Friday and Saturday nights, focusing on alcohol and drug testing around Dandenong North. Notably, officers completed 1899 preliminary breath tests, with 24 drivers exceeding the legal alcohol limit. The highest reading was 0.174, though most results ranged between 0.05 and 0.10. In addition to this, police completed 54 roadside drug tests, which returned 13 positive results.
Crime and Traffic Offences Identified
Furthermore, police also detected 13 criminal offences, including theft of a motor vehicle, theft of number plates, drug possession, possession of counterfeit money, failing to stop on police direction, and dangerous driving while being pursued. Additionally, officers found thirteen unauthorised drivers, four unregistered vehicles and detected 31 traffic offences. As a result, 13 vehicles were impounded across two nights.
Arrests Made in Separate Incidents
Importantly, three motorists were arrested during the operation.
Firstly, police intercepted a 36-year-old man who allegedly failed to stop in a stolen vehicle. He was arrested in Keysborough and then remanded.
Secondly, officers used stop sticks in Dandenong to intercept another stolen vehicle after the 30-year-old female driver allegedly failed to stop. She was arrested and also remanded.
Thirdly, a 26-year-old man allegedly tested positive to drugs, with enquiries revealing homemade plates and a stolen vehicle.
Penalties for Impaired Driving
Victoria Police reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving. First-time offenders aged over 26 who record between 0.05 and 0.07 face a $611 fine and an immediate three-month suspension. However, penalties increase sharply for younger drivers, repeat offenders, zero-BAC requirement drivers, and anyone caught over 0.07. Sanctions include larger fines, longer suspensions, alcohol interlocks, court attendance, and potential jail time. Drivers caught exceeding the prescribed concentration of drugs face a $611 fine and a six-month licence suspension.
Police Warn More Operations Are Coming
Operation Colossus was run by Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol, supported by uniform police, State Highway Patrol and the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section. Moreover, police confirmed more large-scale road policing operations will run throughout coming months. Notably December historically records the highest number of impaired driving detections. Without a doubt, motorists should expect to be tested anywhere and anytime.
