In the Early Hours of Friday morning over 60 members of Tasmania Police conducted an operation aimed at disrupting crime and enforcing traffic laws on rural roads in Northern Tasmania.  The operation involved both high visibility and covert patrols in over 20 rural locations spread across the state.

Detective Inspector John King said “a range of offences were detected throughout the early morning including drink & drug drivers.  Of particular concern was a 33 year old George Town man who was apprehended after he failed to stop at the direction of police and had to have his tires spiked.  He was charged with evading police, negligent driving, driving whilst suspended and possessing a substance believed to be methamphetamine.”

The offender was detained in police custody to appear before the Launceston Court of Petty sessions due to currently being on bail for 10 alleged drug driving charges.  He was also driving and unregistered vehicle and was on current bail conditions prohibiting him from driving or being behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

During the early morning rural road operation officers conducted over 200 vehicle checks on rural roads resulting in the following:

Drink Drivers                         4

Drug Drivers                         4

Drug Possession                  3

Infringement notices         5

Random Breath Tests        200