Police have caught 58 drug drivers during an eight-hour traffic operation today following the Party in the Paddock music festival at Quercus Park in Carrick.
Officers conducted 178 oral fluid tests as part of the targeted operation, with most drivers testing positive for MDMA (ecstasy).
One driver was also found to be unlicensed and driving an unregistered vehicle.
Police also carried out 2770 random breath tests, detecting four drink drivers. The highest reading was 0.09.
Acting Inspector Jareth Anderson said it was “incredibly disappointing” drivers continued to put lives at risk.
“Driving while affected by any illicit substance is incredibly dangerous,” he said.
“We are very proactive in our road safety messaging and the community knows we will be conducting traffic operations following events such as Party in the Paddock, so it is disappointing that 58 people still chose to take drugs and drive.”
Inspector Craig Fox said police deployed between four and 12 officers throughout the weekend. He praised the behaviour of festival-goers overall.
“The crowd behaviour was very good,” Inspector Fox said.
Police made one arrest at the event, though it was unrelated to disturbances at the festival.
Officers seized small quantities of MDMA and cannabis during the weekend.
Police also deployed drone operators to monitor airspace around the event. Inspector Fox said two to three consumer drones were intercepted for operating illegally.
Despite clear warnings about the traffic operation, Inspector Fox said he expected some drivers would still test positive for drugs or alcohol.
“It’s very disappointing when people don’t take the advice, when it’s well publicised that we are going to be there,” he said.
He explained that drugs and alcohol impair judgement and reaction time, putting all road users at risk.
“We’ve seen over the years that whether it be alcohol or drugs or fatigue, especially after these events, can lead to serious accidents and, in tragic cases, fatal accidents,” he said.
One passenger was also detected for failing to wear a seatbelt during Monday’s operation.
Police thanked the community for their cooperation and patience during the extended traffic checks.
