Despite restrictions on movement during the coronavirus pandemic, 28 drivers decided it was essential to be on the road after using drugs over Easter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Statistics from Operations Nexus showed police caught 25 drug drivers and two drink drivers in the Wangaratta Police Service Area, plus three drug drivers and three drink drivers in Wodonga.
There were also 65 speeding drivers, 21 unregistered vehicles and nine cyclists doing the wrong thing caught across the two regions during the operation, which ran from Thursday until Monday.
Police in Wangaratta impounded three cars and officers in Wodonga one car.
The offences included a Sydney man allegedly travelling at 174km/h in an 80km/h zone in Wodonga.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Over in Albury, a P-plater travelling 185km/h on the Hume Highway's 110km/h zone at Woomargama was among those caught during the NSW Operation Tortoise.
Murray River commander Superintendent Paul Smith said the man was travelling for work so he was not fined for breaching coronavirus restrictions.
"Quite a disturbing speed, let alone being a P-plater involved. I think he'll be walking for a long time and won't be seeing a driver's licence for some time to come," he said.
"There are still some idiots out there, obviously not taking the message.
"Don't think because we're in COVID you're not going to get breath tested, don't think you're not going to get done for speeding or wearing your seatbelt."
Murray River police also caught five drivers who tested positive for alcohol or drugs and issued more than 150 infringement notices, including about 60 for speeding.
