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Caught driving while disqualified twice in a week and now facing drug charges

A disqualified 27-year-old driver, who was caught twice driving heavy vehicles in the space of a week, is also now facing drug charges in Griffith, NSW.

A Facebook post on the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s page said the driver was first intercepted by Griffith Highway Patrol while behind the wheel of a Western Star road train on Kidman Way, near Hillston on June 25.

He was pulled over for a roadside breath test, licence check, and National Heavy Vehicle compliance checks, said NSW Police.

“When asked for his driver’s licence, our driver of the day produced… wait for it… a Western Australian photo card. ‘It’s not on me,’ he said, ‘I’m waiting for a new copy to be sent,’” the post said.

Police said their checks revealed that the last time he legally held a licence was back in 2017. They added that he was also disqualified from driving until February 23, 2025, thanks to numerous court orders.

“This was his fifth time caught driving a heavy vehicle while disqualified.”

The driver was subsequently issued with a court attendance notice to Griffith Local Court in September 2024.

Less than a week later, on July 1, Griffith Highway Patrol intercepted the same driver on Ebert Street in Griffith, this time driving a white Kenworth.

When asked for his driver’s licence, police said he once again handed over the trusty Western Australian photo card.

“It’s not on me, I’m waiting for a new copy to be sent,” he said.

Police allege that a drug test revealed he was positive for methamphetamine.

“He was promptly arrested, and a search of his belongings turned up methamphetamine and equipment for administering the drug,” police allege in the Facebook post.

Police said further checks confirmed his disqualification status, and this marked his sixth time caught driving a heavy vehicle while disqualified.

The man was taken to Griffith Police Station, where he provided an oral fluid sample that allegedly confirmed methamphetamine use.

He appeared before Griffith Local Court on July 1, 2024, facing charges of driving during a disqualification period, possessing prohibited drugs, and possession of equipment for administering drugs. Bail was denied, and he’s set to reappear in court later this month.

“The man’s repeated offenses and drug use have sparked serious concerns about road safety,” NSW Police said.

“Griffith Highway Patrol has since attended multiple transport companies about this fiasco, uncovering further breaches. It’s safe to say this episode will be talked about in transport company break rooms for a while.

“This case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who flout the law and put others at risk. Stay safe out there, folks, and remember: excuses don’t count as licences!”

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