Drugs were allegedly found at the scene of a two-vehicle crash in May 2024. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
A driver and trucking company have been charged with a number of offences after a crash on the South Coast, including drug and record-keeping offences.
A NSW Police spokesperson said emergency services were called to Snowy Mountains Highway on the Brown Mountain at about 5:45 pm on 15 May 2024, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.
Police were told a truck had tipped onto its side before it collided with another vehicle, the spokesperson said.
The 48-year-old male driver of the truck was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene, and the driver of the other vehicle – a 24-year-old man – was uninjured.
“Officers attached to Traffic Operation Group attended and searched the truck, where they allegedly located cannabis and drug paraphernalia.
“The driver of the truck underwent a roadside drug test which allegedly returned a positive result.”
The 48-year-old man was arrested and taken to Bega Police Station, where he allegedly returned a positive reading for methamphetamine and cannabis. He underwent a second drug analysis and was issued a 24-hour driving ban. Police are awaiting the results of the secondary drug test.
He was also issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for two counts of Solo driver work more than standard maximum time—minor risk, driver not recording required information after starting work, driver not recording odometer reading as prescribed, and driver not recording prescribed info in written work diary.
The man will appear at Bega Local Court on 9 July.
Following further inquiries, a trucking company was issued with a court attendance notice for two counts of failing to produce documents etc for inspection, devices etc for inspection, permit use of heavy vehicle contravenes standard, record keeper failing to ensure driver gives information required, record keeper not recording prescribed information and record keeper not recording prescribed information – standard hours.
Police will allege there were 232 breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
The company will appear in Bega Local Court on Tuesday 13 August 2024.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or going to https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
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