B-double driver arrested after positive drug test on freeway

About 6.30am on Friday 6 November, patrols on the South Eastern Freeway observed a B-double drifting across lanes and sideswiping the tunnel walls before stopping in an emergency bay.

Officers attended and found the driver asleep behind the wheel. He was woken by police and underwent a roadside drug test, where he allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine. Police also identified major defects with the truck, including inoperable seatbelts.

The 26-year-old driver from New South Wales was reported for drug driving, issued with a driver direction not to operate a motor vehicle and received an immediate three-month licence suspension.

A short time later, after patrols had left the scene, the same truck was observed travelling on South Road despite the driver direction.

Just before 11.15am, patrols intercepted the truck on South Road at Regency Park and arrested the driver. Police will also allege he had removed the defect notice label that was previously issued from the vehicle.

The man is expected to be charged with:

·         Driving under the influence of a drug;

·         Breaching a police direction;

·         Driving a defected vehicle;

·         Removing a defect label; and

The truck was impounded for 28 days.

The man was refused police bail and is expected to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

290422, 290180