BY JARROD MELMETH
A Cessnock man has been charged with driving, drug and weapons offences following an investigation into dangerous driving and burnouts in the Hunter.
Newcastle-Hunter Traffic and Highway Patrol officers were notified of a white Toyota Hilux which had allegedly been conducting burnouts in Bellbird.
On Thursday, Hunter Valley Police, executed a search warrant at a home on Kempe Street, Cessnock where they found a the Toyota Hilux, a Mercedes Van, two slingshots, methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, number plates and mobile phones.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the home and charged with 14 offences including Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (x2), Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, Unlawfully possess number plates, Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, Interfere with person’s enjoyment or risk safety, Use light vehicle with dangerous frontal protrusions, Use light vehicle with seatbelt missing or defective, Use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard, Use vehicle with defective body or structural member, Possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs, Possess prohibited drug and Not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The man was granted conditional bail and will appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 13 October.
Traffic Inspector for the Newcastle-Hunter Sector, Inspector Mick Buko says this manner of driving is reckless and can have serious consequences.
“Not only is this behaviour dangerous, it also puts other innocent members of the public at risk, and we simply won’t tolerate it.
“Anyone who observes this sort of dangerous driving is encouraged to report it to your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Insp Buko said.