“I wasn’t paying attention”: Alleged drug-driver clocked at 106km/h in a 50 zone

A DRIVER who was allegedly caught tearing through the main street of a Riverina town at more than double the speed limit also returned positive roadside drug tests for cocaine and methamphetamine, police say.

Narrandera Highway Patrol officers were conducting stationary speed enforcement along Canola Way at Ganmain about 10.20pm on Friday, December 5, when they allegedly clocked a white Mitsubishi Triton travelling west at 106km/h in a signposted 50km/h zone.

Police stopped the vehicle a short distance away and spoke with the driver, a 40-year-old man from Coolamon.

Photo: NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command

During the stop, officers conducted roadside drug testing, with the driver allegedly returning a positive result to both cocaine and methamphetamine.

A secondary oral fluid test was then carried out, which again returned a positive result for the same substances.

When questioned by police about his speed, the driver allegedly told officers:

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

The man was issued with an infringement notice for a Class A motor vehicle offence — exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h.

He was also fined $3,054 and had his licence suspended on the spot for six months.

Photo: NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command

Police have confirmed they are now awaiting the formal analysis of the oral fluid sample, with further action to be considered pending the results.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive speed and drug driving, particularly through regional town centres, where pedestrians, local traffic and roadside businesses are at heightened risk.