UPDATE: A significant police operation over the weekend in Geelong has resulted in the arrest of 16 drivers for drug and alcohol offenses. Conducted on December 19-20, 2023, during Operation Lockdown, authorities executed 2,620 preliminary breath tests on major roads throughout North and South Geelong.
Police confirmed that six drivers were found exceeding the legal alcohol limit. Notably, a 51-year-old man from Bannockburn registered an alarming blood alcohol concentration of 0.173, which is more than three times the legal limit. His vehicle has been impounded for 30 days, and he is scheduled to appear in court soon.
In another case, a 43-year-old man from Jan Juc was caught with a reading of 0.153, leading to the impounding of his vehicle as well. Both men face legal repercussions as authorities continue to crack down on impaired driving.
The operation also revealed concerning drug use among drivers, with ten individuals testing positive for drugs out of 77 roadside drug tests. Among those arrested was a 46-year-old woman from Charlton, who allegedly attempted to evade a testing site before testing positive for methamphetamine/MDMA.
Acting Senior Sergeant Chris McCran of Geelong and Colac Highway Patrol emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating,
“With 13 lives lost in the Geelong and Surf Coast areas this year, we are urging drivers not to get behind the wheel while impaired. The last thing we want to do around Christmas time is knock on families’ doors to tell them their loved ones are not coming home.”
Authorities are sending a clear message as the festive season approaches: if you’re planning to drink, do not drive. Options such as arranging a designated driver or utilizing ride-share services are strongly encouraged.
This operation was supported by various police units, including the State Highway Patrol and the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section, showcasing a strong collaborative effort to ensure road safety. The blitz also uncovered 12 disqualified, suspended, or unlicensed drivers, with additional incidents including nine unregistered vehicles and seven speeding offenses across the two-night operation.
Police will maintain a heightened presence throughout Geelong and the Surf Coast in the coming weeks, with random testing expected at any time. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant and responsible as the holiday season approaches.
