More than 20 alleged drink and drug drivers have been detected during a crackdown at a highway location on the Sunshine Coast.
Operation Lasso included 1379 random breath tests (RBTs) and 27 random drug tests (RDTs) near a service station on the Bruce Highway at Glass House Mountains on Tuesday evening.
Ten people returned a positive roadside breath test, including a 35-year-old Roma man who allegedly recorded a reading of 0.279 per cent, which is more than five and a half times the legal limit.
He was charged with driving under the influence and is due to face Nambour Magistrates Court on November 12.
Twelve people also allegedly tested positive for drug driving, and seven people were issued Notices to Appear for possessing drugs.
It is further alleged six vehicles evaded police after becoming aware of the RBT site.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the results were concerning.
“This operation was active between 9pm and 12am on a nondescript Tuesday evening on our provincial highway, which raises significant alarm bells,” he said.
“Police have zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and all road users need to make safety their number one priority.”
Fourteen people have been killed in traffic crashes on Sunshine Coast roads this year.
“To know that seriously impaired drivers are barrelling down our highways at speeds of 110km/h should have every road user worried,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
“Every decision you make behind the wheel can be the difference between making it home safely, and endangering yourself, your passengers and other road users.”
